Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, MI (2024 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $17,348
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
We go over average solar pricing in Chelsea.
The average cost of a solar system in Chelsea is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chelsea homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chelsea find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,165 |
| 3 years | $-13,658 |
| 5 years | $-11,151 |
| 7 years | $-8,643 |
| 9 years | $-6,136 |
| 11 years | $-3,628 |
| 13 years | $-1,121 |
| 15 years | $1,386 |
| 17 years | $3,894 |
| 19 years | $6,401 |
| 21 years | $8,909 |
| 23 years | $11,416 |
| 25 years | $13,923 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
There are many criteria that can play into 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 system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Chelsea, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 get 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chelsea average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chelsea homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Chelsea’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,050 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $15,189 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,554 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $24,147 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,967 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $34,015 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $39,290 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,792 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Chelsea, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chelsea?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chelsea?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Chelsea, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Chelsea have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Chelsea?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.