Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankenmuth, MI (2023 Update)
- Frankenmuth Solar Installation Cost: $12,193
- 25-Year Savings: $16,321
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frankenmuth
See how much it might cost to go solar in Frankenmuth.
In Frankenmuth, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. The average Frankenmuth homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,195 with the federal tax credit, or $17,439 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Frankenmuth find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frankenmuth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,940 |
| 3 years | $-8,432 |
| 5 years | $-5,925 |
| 7 years | $-3,418 |
| 9 years | $-910 |
| 11 years | $1,597 |
| 13 years | $4,105 |
| 15 years | $6,612 |
| 17 years | $9,119 |
| 19 years | $11,627 |
| 21 years | $14,134 |
| 23 years | $16,642 |
| 25 years | $19,149 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankenmuth
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Frankenmuth:
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
For many Frankenmuth homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Frankenmuth, 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Frankenmuth. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Frankenmuth offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Frankenmuth, and each can charge different amounts 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like 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?
The average cost of solar panels in Frankenmuth is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Frankenmuth is currently $196,900, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,073 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Frankenmuth is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Frankenmuth?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.