Solar Panel Cost Guide in Conway, MI (2023 Update)
- Conway Solar Installation Cost: $12,176
- 25-Year Savings: $16,613
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Conway
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Conway.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Conway, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,176 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Conway find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Conway
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,024 |
| 3 years | $-8,721 |
| 5 years | $-6,418 |
| 7 years | $-4,115 |
| 9 years | $-1,812 |
| 11 years | $491 |
| 13 years | $2,794 |
| 15 years | $5,097 |
| 17 years | $7,400 |
| 19 years | $9,703 |
| 21 years | $12,006 |
| 23 years | $14,309 |
| 25 years | $16,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Conway
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Conway
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Conway
Though the average cost of a solar system in Conway is $12,176, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Conway, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Conway offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Conway, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. 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 | $15,647 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,177 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,864 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,709 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $38,712 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $44,871 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $51,188 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $57,663 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Conway, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Conway?
The average cost of solar panels in Conway 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 consume.
Are solar panels free in Conway?
Solar panels aren't free in Conway, 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 further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 $930.69 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Conway?
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 once you've had 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.