Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garden City, MI (2024 Update)
- Garden City Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garden City
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Garden City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Garden City it’s 4 per watt.The average Garden City homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,379 with the federal tax credit, or $24,852 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Garden City find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Garden City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,202 |
| 5 years | $-10,417 |
| 7 years | $-7,633 |
| 9 years | $-4,848 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $721 |
| 15 years | $3,506 |
| 17 years | $6,291 |
| 19 years | $9,075 |
| 21 years | $11,860 |
| 23 years | $14,645 |
| 25 years | $17,429 |
Top Solar Installers in Garden City
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Garden City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garden City
Cost is often 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 Garden City: 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Garden City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $6,913 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,672 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,658 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,872 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,313 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,981 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,877 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,000 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Garden City, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Garden City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Garden City is currently $181,182, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,428 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Garden City is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Garden City?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.