Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grattan, MI (2023 Update)
- Grattan Solar Installation Cost: $12,147
- 25-Year Savings: $22,265
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grattan
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Grattan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Grattan, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Grattan, the average price of going solar will be about $12,156 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
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 use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Grattan find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Grattan, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grattan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,894 |
| 3 years | $-8,386 |
| 5 years | $-5,879 |
| 7 years | $-3,371 |
| 9 years | $-864 |
| 11 years | $1,643 |
| 13 years | $4,151 |
| 15 years | $6,658 |
| 17 years | $9,166 |
| 19 years | $11,673 |
| 21 years | $14,180 |
| 23 years | $16,688 |
| 25 years | $19,195 |
Top Solar Installers in Grattan
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Grattan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grattan
Cost is usually 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 Grattan: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,810 per kilowatt in Grattan. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grattan to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Grattan, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,160 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,527 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,053 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,735 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,575 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,573 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,727 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $76,039 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Grattan, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grattan?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Grattan?
A solar panel system isn't free in Grattan, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Grattan?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.