Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chippewa, MI (2023 Update)
- Chippewa Solar Installation Cost: $12,128
- 25-Year Savings: $21,561
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chippewa
We break down average solar pricing in Chippewa.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chippewa generally cost around 2.81. The average Chippewa homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,136 with the federal tax credit, or $17,354 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chippewa find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chippewa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,874 |
| 3 years | $-8,367 |
| 5 years | $-5,859 |
| 7 years | $-3,352 |
| 9 years | $-845 |
| 11 years | $1,663 |
| 13 years | $4,170 |
| 15 years | $6,678 |
| 17 years | $9,185 |
| 19 years | $11,692 |
| 21 years | $14,200 |
| 23 years | $16,707 |
| 25 years | $19,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Chippewa
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Chippewa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chippewa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chippewa offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chippewa is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $20,509 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,660 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,968 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,434 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,057 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,837 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,775 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,870 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Chippewa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 $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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chippewa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Chippewa?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Chippewa?
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 larger 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.