Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grass Lake, MI (2023 Update)
- Grass Lake Solar Installation Cost: $12,045
- 25-Year Savings: $21,643
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grass Lake
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Grass Lake.
The average cost of a solar system in Grass Lake is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Grass Lake is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,038 for a solar installation, or $17,214 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grass Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,933 |
| 3 years | $-11,708 |
| 5 years | $-11,484 |
| 7 years | $-11,259 |
| 9 years | $-11,034 |
| 11 years | $-10,810 |
| 13 years | $-10,585 |
| 15 years | $-10,361 |
| 17 years | $-10,136 |
| 19 years | $-9,911 |
| 21 years | $-9,687 |
| 23 years | $-9,462 |
| 25 years | $-9,238 |
Top Solar Installers in Grass Lake
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Grass Lake:
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 Grass Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grass Lake
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Grass Lake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Grass Lake have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Grass Lake's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,735 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,961 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,344 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,885 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,584 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,439 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,452 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $74,623 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Grass Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grass Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Grass Lake is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Grass Lake?
Solar panels aren't free in Grass Lake, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Grass Lake have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.