Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, MI (2023 Update)
- Clay Solar Installation Cost: $11,704
- 25-Year Savings: $13,416
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Clay.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clay, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $11,704 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clay find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Clay, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,699 |
| 3 years | $-8,689 |
| 5 years | $-6,680 |
| 7 years | $-4,670 |
| 9 years | $-2,661 |
| 11 years | $-651 |
| 13 years | $1,359 |
| 15 years | $3,368 |
| 17 years | $5,378 |
| 19 years | $7,387 |
| 21 years | $9,397 |
| 23 years | $11,407 |
| 25 years | $13,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Clay
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Clay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Clay. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Clay provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Clay is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 lower 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 | $13,040 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,702 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $22,520 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $27,496 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $32,630 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $37,921 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $43,369 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $48,975 | 10.5 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Clay, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Clay?
A solar panel system isn't free in Clay, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Clay, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.