Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emmett, MI (2023 Update)
- Emmett Solar Installation Cost: $12,011
- 25-Year Savings: $22,485
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emmett
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Emmett.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Emmett, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average Emmett homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,018 with the federal tax credit, or $17,186 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Emmett depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Emmett, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emmett
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,758 |
| 3 years | $-8,250 |
| 5 years | $-5,743 |
| 7 years | $-3,235 |
| 9 years | $-728 |
| 11 years | $1,779 |
| 13 years | $4,287 |
| 15 years | $6,794 |
| 17 years | $9,301 |
| 19 years | $11,809 |
| 21 years | $14,316 |
| 23 years | $16,824 |
| 25 years | $19,331 |
Top Solar Installers in Emmett
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Emmett, 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 Emmett
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emmett
The cost of installing a solar system in Emmett can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Emmett, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Emmett's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Emmett are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $21,621 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,142 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,821 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,658 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,652 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,803 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,111 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,577 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Emmett, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emmett?
The average cost of solar panels in Emmett is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Emmett?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Emmett is currently $121,597, which means you can expect a value of about $4,985 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Emmett is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.