Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burns, MI (2023 Update)
- Burns Solar Installation Cost: $12,210
- 25-Year Savings: $19,699
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burns
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Burns.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Burns, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,215 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Burns based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Burns find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burns
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,104 |
| 3 years | $-11,891 |
| 5 years | $-11,678 |
| 7 years | $-11,465 |
| 9 years | $-11,253 |
| 11 years | $-11,040 |
| 13 years | $-10,827 |
| 15 years | $-10,615 |
| 17 years | $-10,402 |
| 19 years | $-10,189 |
| 21 years | $-9,976 |
| 23 years | $-9,764 |
| 25 years | $-9,551 |
Top Solar Installers in Burns
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Burns, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Burns
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burns
Although the average cost of a solar system in Burns is $12,215, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Burns, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Burns to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Burns, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Burns know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $18,569 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,073 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $31,735 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $38,554 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $45,530 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $52,664 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $59,955 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $67,404 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Burns, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burns?
The average cost of solar panels in Burns is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Burns?
You can't get solar panels for free in Burns. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.