Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cutlerville, MI (2023 Update)
- Cutlerville Solar Installation Cost: $12,147
- 25-Year Savings: $22,757
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cutlerville
We go over average solar pricing in Cutlerville.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cutlerville typically cost about 2.81. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,156 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Cutlerville homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Cutlerville for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Cutlerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,031 |
| 3 years | $-11,798 |
| 5 years | $-11,566 |
| 7 years | $-11,333 |
| 9 years | $-11,100 |
| 11 years | $-10,867 |
| 13 years | $-10,635 |
| 15 years | $-10,402 |
| 17 years | $-10,169 |
| 19 years | $-9,937 |
| 21 years | $-9,704 |
| 23 years | $-9,471 |
| 25 years | $-9,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Cutlerville
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. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Cutlerville, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cutlerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cutlerville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cutlerville is $12,156, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cutlerville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cutlerville, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Cutlerville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to factor 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Cutlerville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better 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 discount 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 | $21,638 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,165 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,850 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,692 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,692 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,848 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,163 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,634 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Cutlerville, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cutlerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Cutlerville is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cutlerville?
Solar panels aren't free in Cutlerville, 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.
Does Cutlerville have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.