Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castleton, MI (2023 Update)
- Castleton Solar Installation Cost: $12,060
- 25-Year Savings: $21,634
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castleton
We go over average solar pricing in Castleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Castleton it's 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Castleton is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,058 for a solar installation, or $17,243 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Castleton find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Castleton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Castleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,948 |
| 3 years | $-11,723 |
| 5 years | $-11,498 |
| 7 years | $-11,274 |
| 9 years | $-11,049 |
| 11 years | $-10,825 |
| 13 years | $-10,600 |
| 15 years | $-10,375 |
| 17 years | $-10,151 |
| 19 years | $-9,926 |
| 21 years | $-9,701 |
| 23 years | $-9,477 |
| 25 years | $-9,252 |
Top Solar Installers in Castleton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Castleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castleton
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Castleton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Castleton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Castleton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $20,699 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,913 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,285 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,814 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,501 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,344 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,345 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $74,504 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Castleton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Castleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Castleton 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Castleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Castleton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.