Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dryden, MI (2023 Update)
- Dryden Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $12,924
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dryden
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Dryden.
In Dryden, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Dryden is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,195 for a solar installation, or $17,439 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dryden homeowner. 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. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Dryden can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Dryden, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dryden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,191 |
| 3 years | $-9,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,171 |
| 7 years | $-5,162 |
| 9 years | $-3,152 |
| 11 years | $-1,143 |
| 13 years | $867 |
| 15 years | $2,876 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,896 |
| 21 years | $8,905 |
| 23 years | $10,915 |
| 25 years | $12,924 |
Top Solar Installers in Dryden
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Dryden:
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 Dryden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dryden
For many Dryden homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dryden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 production require 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dryden average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Dryden offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Dryden's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,019 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,340 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,818 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,454 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,247 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,198 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,306 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,571 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- 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 expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Dryden, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dryden?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dryden?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.