Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chippewa, MI (2024 Update)
- Chippewa Solar Installation Cost: $17,523
- 25-Year Savings: $21,561
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chippewa
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chippewa.
In Chippewa, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,523 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chippewa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chippewa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,269 |
| 3 years | $-13,762 |
| 5 years | $-11,254 |
| 7 years | $-8,747 |
| 9 years | $-6,240 |
| 11 years | $-3,732 |
| 13 years | $-1,225 |
| 15 years | $1,283 |
| 17 years | $3,790 |
| 19 years | $6,297 |
| 21 years | $8,805 |
| 23 years | $11,312 |
| 25 years | $13,819 |
Top Solar Installers in Chippewa
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chippewa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Chippewa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Chippewa.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chippewa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,049 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,520 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,218 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,144 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,297 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,677 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,285 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,120 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Chippewa, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chippewa?
The average cost of solar panels in Chippewa is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chippewa?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chippewa, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chippewa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install 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.