Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gaylord, MI (2024 Update)
- Gaylord Solar Installation Cost: $17,888
- 25-Year Savings: $22,650
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gaylord
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Gaylord.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Gaylord is 4 per watt.The average Gaylord homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,888 with the federal tax credit, or $25,580 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gaylord based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gaylord can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Gaylord for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gaylord
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,635 |
| 3 years | $-14,127 |
| 5 years | $-11,620 |
| 7 years | $-9,113 |
| 9 years | $-6,605 |
| 11 years | $-4,098 |
| 13 years | $-1,590 |
| 15 years | $917 |
| 17 years | $3,424 |
| 19 years | $5,932 |
| 21 years | $8,439 |
| 23 years | $10,947 |
| 25 years | $13,454 |
Top Solar Installers in Gaylord
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Gaylord, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
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 Gaylord
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gaylord
The cost of installing a solar system in Gaylord can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company 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 $4,060 per kilowatt in Gaylord.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Gaylord, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Gaylord, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,659 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,333 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,235 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,364 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,720 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,304 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,115 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,154 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Gaylord, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, 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: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Gaylord, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gaylord?
The average cost of solar panels in Gaylord is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Gaylord?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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 long do solar panels last in Gaylord?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.