Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesaning, MI (2024 Update)
- Chesaning Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
- 25-Year Savings: $23,111
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesaning
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chesaning.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chesaning it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Chesaning, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,618, or $25,194 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Chesaning depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chesaning find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Chesaning, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chesaning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,364 |
| 3 years | $-13,856 |
| 5 years | $-11,349 |
| 7 years | $-8,842 |
| 9 years | $-6,334 |
| 11 years | $-3,827 |
| 13 years | $-1,319 |
| 15 years | $1,188 |
| 17 years | $3,695 |
| 19 years | $6,203 |
| 21 years | $8,710 |
| 23 years | $11,217 |
| 25 years | $13,725 |
Top Solar Installers in Chesaning
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Chesaning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesaning
For many Chesaning homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chesaning, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chesaning homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Chesaning, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $16,437 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,370 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,531 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,920 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,535 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,378 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,449 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,747 | 11.2 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Chesaning, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chesaning?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chesaning?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 take a 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 get 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.