Solar Panel Cost Guide in Castleton, MI (2024 Update)
- Castleton Solar Installation Cost: $17,425
- 25-Year Savings: $21,634
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Castleton
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Castleton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Castleton typically cost around 4.Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Castleton, the average price of going solar will be about $17,425 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Castleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,171 |
| 3 years | $-13,664 |
| 5 years | $-11,156 |
| 7 years | $-8,649 |
| 9 years | $-6,141 |
| 11 years | $-3,634 |
| 13 years | $-1,127 |
| 15 years | $1,381 |
| 17 years | $3,888 |
| 19 years | $6,396 |
| 21 years | $8,903 |
| 23 years | $11,410 |
| 25 years | $13,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Castleton
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Castleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castleton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Castleton is $17,425, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Castleton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Castleton, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Castleton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Castleton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Castleton know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,239 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,773 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,535 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,524 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,741 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,184 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,855 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,754 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Castleton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Castleton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 cover 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.