Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grattan, MI (2024 Update)
- Grattan Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $22,265
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grattan
We go over average solar pricing in Grattan.
The average cost of a solar system in Grattan is 4 per watt.The average Grattan homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,551 with the federal tax credit, or $25,098 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 want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grattan
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,297 |
| 3 years | $-13,790 |
| 5 years | $-11,282 |
| 7 years | $-8,775 |
| 9 years | $-6,268 |
| 11 years | $-3,760 |
| 13 years | $-1,253 |
| 15 years | $1,255 |
| 17 years | $3,762 |
| 19 years | $6,269 |
| 21 years | $8,777 |
| 23 years | $11,284 |
| 25 years | $13,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Grattan
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Grattan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grattan
The cost of installing a solar system in Grattan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Grattan, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Grattan, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grattan to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Grattan is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $15,700 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,387 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,303 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,445 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,815 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,413 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,237 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,289 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Grattan, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grattan?
This is a difficult 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Grattan?
Solar panels aren’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 help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.