Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dowagiac, MI (2023 Update)
- Dowagiac Solar Installation Cost: $11,802
- 25-Year Savings: $19,940
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dowagiac
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dowagiac.
In Dowagiac, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $11,802 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Dowagiac for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Dowagiac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,532 |
| 3 years | $-7,993 |
| 5 years | $-5,454 |
| 7 years | $-2,914 |
| 9 years | $-375 |
| 11 years | $2,164 |
| 13 years | $4,704 |
| 15 years | $7,243 |
| 17 years | $9,782 |
| 19 years | $12,322 |
| 21 years | $14,861 |
| 23 years | $17,400 |
| 25 years | $19,940 |
Top Solar Installers in Dowagiac
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Dowagiac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dowagiac
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,810. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dowagiac average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dowagiac to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Dowagiac homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Dowagiac's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dowagiac are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $19,487 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $26,297 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $33,265 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $40,390 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $47,673 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $55,113 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $62,710 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $70,464 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Dowagiac, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dowagiac?
The average cost of solar panels in Dowagiac 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Dowagiac?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.