Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruitland, MI (2024 Update)
- Fruitland Solar Installation Cost: $16,349
- 25-Year Savings: $23,456
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruitland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fruitland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fruitland, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Fruitland, the average price of going solar will be about $16,349 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fruitland find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Fruitland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,095 |
| 3 years | $-12,587 |
| 5 years | $-10,080 |
| 7 years | $-7,573 |
| 9 years | $-5,065 |
| 11 years | $-2,558 |
| 13 years | $-50 |
| 15 years | $2,457 |
| 17 years | $4,964 |
| 19 years | $7,472 |
| 21 years | $9,979 |
| 23 years | $12,486 |
| 25 years | $14,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruitland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Fruitland is $16,349, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
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 around $4,060. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fruitland, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fruitland, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fruitland is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $18,533 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,165 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,025 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,112 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,426 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,968 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,737 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,734 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,208.90 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.