Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankenmuth, MI (Mar 2023)
- Frankenmuth Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $16,319
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frankenmuth
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Frankenmuth.
In Frankenmuth, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Frankenmuth, the average price of going solar will be about $12,195 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Frankenmuth homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high initial cost, the average Frankenmuth homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frankenmuth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,055 |
| 3 years | $-8,774 |
| 5 years | $-6,492 |
| 7 years | $-4,211 |
| 9 years | $-1,930 |
| 11 years | $351 |
| 13 years | $2,632 |
| 15 years | $4,913 |
| 17 years | $7,195 |
| 19 years | $9,476 |
| 21 years | $11,757 |
| 23 years | $14,038 |
| 25 years | $16,319 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankenmuth
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Frankenmuth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankenmuth
The cost of installing a solar system in Frankenmuth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Frankenmuth offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Frankenmuth, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Frankenmuth have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $15,325 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $20,748 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,329 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,066 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $37,962 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $44,014 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $50,224 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $56,591 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Frankenmuth, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankenmuth?
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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Frankenmuth?
You can't get solar panels for free in Frankenmuth. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Frankenmuth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.