Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chelsea, MI (2023 Update)
- Chelsea Solar Installation Cost: $12,056
- 25-Year Savings: $17,348
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chelsea
See how much it might cost to go solar in Chelsea.
In Chelsea, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Chelsea, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,058, or $17,243 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Chelsea homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Chelsea, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chelsea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,958 |
| 3 years | $-11,762 |
| 5 years | $-11,566 |
| 7 years | $-11,370 |
| 9 years | $-11,174 |
| 11 years | $-10,978 |
| 13 years | $-10,782 |
| 15 years | $-10,586 |
| 17 years | $-10,390 |
| 19 years | $-10,194 |
| 21 years | $-9,998 |
| 23 years | $-9,802 |
| 25 years | $-9,606 |
Top Solar Installers in Chelsea
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, 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 the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Chelsea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chelsea
The cost of installing a solar system in Chelsea 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 you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chelsea to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chelsea, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Chelsea is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chelsea is currently $270,400, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,086 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chelsea is a rewarding investment.
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 higher 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.