Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dowagiac, MI (2024 Update)
- Dowagiac Solar Installation Cost: $17,042
- 25-Year Savings: $19,947
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dowagiac
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Dowagiac.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Dowagiac, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dowagiac, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,042, or $24,370 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dowagiac homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dowagiac find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dowagiac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,788 |
| 3 years | $-13,280 |
| 5 years | $-10,773 |
| 7 years | $-8,266 |
| 9 years | $-5,758 |
| 11 years | $-3,251 |
| 13 years | $-744 |
| 15 years | $1,764 |
| 17 years | $4,271 |
| 19 years | $6,779 |
| 21 years | $9,286 |
| 23 years | $11,793 |
| 25 years | $14,301 |
Top Solar Installers in Dowagiac
DIY 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. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Dowagiac, 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dowagiac, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dowagiac to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Dowagiac, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dowagiac have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $14,027 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $19,157 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $24,515 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $30,100 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,913 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $41,953 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $48,220 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $54,714 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dowagiac?
The average cost of solar panels in Dowagiac is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Dowagiac?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 household 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.