Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calumet, MI (2024 Update)
- Calumet Solar Installation Cost: $17,893
- 25-Year Savings: $12,463
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calumet
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Calumet.
The average cost of a solar system in Calumet is 4 per watt.The average Calumet homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,893 with the federal tax credit, or $25,587 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Calumet homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Calumet that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Calumet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,098 |
| 3 years | $-12,509 |
| 5 years | $-8,919 |
| 7 years | $-5,330 |
| 9 years | $-1,741 |
| 11 years | $1,849 |
| 13 years | $5,438 |
| 15 years | $9,028 |
| 17 years | $12,617 |
| 19 years | $16,207 |
| 21 years | $19,796 |
| 23 years | $23,385 |
| 25 years | $26,975 |
Top Solar Installers in Calumet
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Calumet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calumet
The cost of installing a solar system in Calumet can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Calumet average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Calumet to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly 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 due to interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Calumet is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Calumet are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $5,945 | 18.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $8,381 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $11,045 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $13,936 | 17.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $17,054 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $20,400 | 16.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $23,973 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $27,773 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Calumet, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Calumet, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Calumet?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Calumet, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Calumet?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.