Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruitland, MI (2023 Update)
- Fruitland Solar Installation Cost: $11,310
- 25-Year Savings: $23,461
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruitland
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fruitland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fruitland it's 2.81 per watt. The average Fruitland homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,310 with the federal tax credit, or $16,173 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fruitland homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fruitland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,919 |
| 3 years | $-7,138 |
| 5 years | $-4,356 |
| 7 years | $-1,574 |
| 9 years | $1,207 |
| 11 years | $3,989 |
| 13 years | $6,771 |
| 15 years | $9,552 |
| 17 years | $12,334 |
| 19 years | $15,116 |
| 21 years | $17,897 |
| 23 years | $20,679 |
| 25 years | $23,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruitland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Fruitland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruitland
The cost of installing a solar system in Fruitland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Fruitland. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fruitland homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fruitland is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may notice 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 promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $23,993 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $32,305 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $40,775 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $49,402 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $58,186 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $67,128 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $76,227 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $85,484 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Fruitland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Fruitland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fruitland?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.