Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesaning, MI (2023 Update)
- Chesaning Solar Installation Cost: $12,193
- 25-Year Savings: $23,111
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesaning
We go over average solar pricing in Chesaning.
The average cost of a solar system in Chesaning is 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Chesaning, the average price of going solar will be about $12,195 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Chesaning homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chesaning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,940 |
| 3 years | $-8,432 |
| 5 years | $-5,925 |
| 7 years | $-3,418 |
| 9 years | $-910 |
| 11 years | $1,597 |
| 13 years | $4,105 |
| 15 years | $6,612 |
| 17 years | $9,119 |
| 19 years | $11,627 |
| 21 years | $14,134 |
| 23 years | $16,642 |
| 25 years | $19,149 |
Top Solar Installers in Chesaning
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Chesaning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesaning
Though the average cost of a solar system in Chesaning is $12,195, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Chesaning. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chesaning to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Chesaning, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,897 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,510 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,281 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,210 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,295 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,538 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,939 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,497 | 7.8 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 types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Chesaning, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chesaning?
The average cost of solar panels in Chesaning is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Chesaning have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.