Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Bay, MI (2024 Update)
- East Bay Solar Installation Cost: $17,958
- 25-Year Savings: $19,310
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Bay
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in East Bay.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in East Bay generally cost around 4.The average East Bay homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,958 with the federal tax credit, or $25,680 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average East Bay homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in East Bay for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in East Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,704 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,182 |
| 9 years | $-6,675 |
| 11 years | $-4,167 |
| 13 years | $-1,660 |
| 15 years | $848 |
| 17 years | $3,355 |
| 19 years | $5,862 |
| 21 years | $8,370 |
| 23 years | $10,877 |
| 25 years | $13,385 |
Top Solar Installers in East Bay
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in East Bay, optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 East Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Bay
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Bay to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. East Bay’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,403 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,993 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $21,809 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $26,853 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,124 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,623 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $43,349 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $49,303 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy 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: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 East Bay, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Bay?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in East Bay is currently $236,838, which means you can expect a value of about $9,710 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Bay is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.