Solar Panel Cost Guide in Constantine, MI (2023 Update)
- Constantine Solar Installation Cost: $11,965
- 25-Year Savings: $19,777
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Constantine
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Constantine.
In Constantine, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Constantine, the average price of going solar will be about $11,959 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Constantine homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Constantine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,859 |
| 3 years | $-11,648 |
| 5 years | $-11,436 |
| 7 years | $-11,224 |
| 9 years | $-11,013 |
| 11 years | $-10,801 |
| 13 years | $-10,589 |
| 15 years | $-10,378 |
| 17 years | $-10,166 |
| 19 years | $-9,955 |
| 21 years | $-9,743 |
| 23 years | $-9,531 |
| 25 years | $-9,320 |
Top Solar Installers in Constantine
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer 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 Constantine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Constantine
Though the average cost of a solar system in Constantine is $11,959, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Constantine average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $19,035 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,695 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $32,512 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $39,487 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $46,619 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $53,908 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $61,354 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $68,958 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research 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
EcoWatch's Constantine, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Constantine?
The average cost of solar panels in Constantine 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,043.64 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Constantine?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.