Solar Panel Cost Guide in Green Lake, MI (2024 Update)
- Green Lake Solar Installation Cost: $17,958
- 25-Year Savings: $19,440
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Green Lake
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Green Lake.
In Green Lake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Green Lake, the average price of going solar will be about $17,958 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Green Lake depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Green Lake homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Green Lake for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Green Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,704 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,182 |
| 9 years | $-6,675 |
| 11 years | $-4,167 |
| 13 years | $-1,660 |
| 15 years | $848 |
| 17 years | $3,355 |
| 19 years | $5,862 |
| 21 years | $8,370 |
| 23 years | $10,877 |
| 25 years | $13,385 |
Top Solar Installers in Green Lake
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Green Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Green Lake
For many Green Lake homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Green Lake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Green Lake to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Green Lake, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across 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 specials 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 | $12,527 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,158 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,016 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,101 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,414 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,954 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $43,721 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $49,716 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification 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.
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 Green Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Green Lake?
This is a hard 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Green Lake?
Solar panels aren’t free in Green Lake, 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 you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.