Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fabius, MI (2023 Update)

  • Fabius Solar Installation Cost: $11,965
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,064
  • Payback Period: 9.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fabius

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fabius.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fabius, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fabius is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,959 for a solar installation, or $17,101 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Fabius homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Fabius that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fabius

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,862
3 years $-11,655
5 years $-11,448
7 years $-11,241
9 years $-11,034
11 years $-10,827
13 years $-10,620
15 years $-10,414
17 years $-10,207
19 years $-10,000
21 years $-9,793
23 years $-9,586
25 years $-9,379

Top Solar Installers in Fabius

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fabius, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fabius

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fabius

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Fabius: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $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 choose 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. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fabius average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fabius, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $18,332 10.0 years
8 kW $2.87 $16,051 $24,758 9.8 years
10 kW $2.81 $19,670 $31,341 9.6 years
12 kW $2.75 $23,132 $38,081 9.4 years
14 kW $2.70 $26,436 $44,979 9.3 years
16 kW $2.64 $29,584 $52,034 9.1 years
18 kW $2.59 $32,574 $59,246 8.9 years
20 kW $2.53 $35,406 $66,616 8.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Fabius, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fabius, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fabius?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fabius, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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