Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, MI (Mar 2023)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
- 25-Year Savings: $17,347
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chelsea.
The average cost of a solar system in Chelsea is 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Chelsea, the average price of going solar will be about $12,058 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chelsea homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Chelsea can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Chelsea, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,882 |
| 3 years | $-8,529 |
| 5 years | $-6,177 |
| 7 years | $-3,825 |
| 9 years | $-1,472 |
| 11 years | $880 |
| 13 years | $3,233 |
| 15 years | $5,585 |
| 17 years | $7,937 |
| 19 years | $10,290 |
| 21 years | $12,642 |
| 23 years | $14,994 |
| 25 years | $17,347 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Chelsea, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chelsea provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Chelsea's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chelsea have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $16,510 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $22,329 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $28,304 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $34,437 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $40,727 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $47,175 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $53,780 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $60,542 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chelsea?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chelsea?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 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 install 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.