Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frenchtown, MI (2023 Update)
- Frenchtown Solar Installation Cost: $11,822
- 25-Year Savings: $14,430
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frenchtown
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Frenchtown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Frenchtown typically cost around 2.81. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Frenchtown, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,822, or $16,905 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Frenchtown find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frenchtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,772 |
| 3 years | $-8,671 |
| 5 years | $-6,571 |
| 7 years | $-4,471 |
| 9 years | $-2,371 |
| 11 years | $-271 |
| 13 years | $1,829 |
| 15 years | $3,929 |
| 17 years | $6,029 |
| 19 years | $8,129 |
| 21 years | $10,230 |
| 23 years | $12,330 |
| 25 years | $14,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Frenchtown
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Frenchtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frenchtown
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Frenchtown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over 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, your total will most likely increase by around $2,810. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Frenchtown to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $13,948 | 11.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $18,912 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $24,034 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $29,313 | 11.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $34,749 | 10.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $40,343 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $46,094 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $52,002 | 10.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 Frenchtown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frenchtown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Frenchtown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Frenchtown?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Frenchtown?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.