Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, MI (2023 Update)
- Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $12,229
- 25-Year Savings: $22,276
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fremont
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fremont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fremont it's 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fremont, the average price of going solar will be about $12,235 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fremont homeowners. 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. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fremont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,114 |
| 3 years | $-11,884 |
| 5 years | $-11,654 |
| 7 years | $-11,424 |
| 9 years | $-11,194 |
| 11 years | $-10,964 |
| 13 years | $-10,734 |
| 15 years | $-10,504 |
| 17 years | $-10,274 |
| 19 years | $-10,044 |
| 21 years | $-9,814 |
| 23 years | $-9,584 |
| 25 years | $-9,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Fremont
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fremont, we've organized 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 Fremont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fremont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,810. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Fremont's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $21,026 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,349 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,830 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,467 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,263 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,216 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,326 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $75,593 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Fremont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should 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 Fremont, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fremont?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fremont?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fremont?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.