Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gun Plain, MI (2023 Update)
- Gun Plain Solar Installation Cost: $11,693
- 25-Year Savings: $22,811
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gun Plain
We go over average solar pricing in Gun Plain.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gun Plain, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Since a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Gun Plain, the average price of going solar will be about $11,684 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gun Plain see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Gun Plain that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gun Plain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,578 |
| 3 years | $-11,348 |
| 5 years | $-11,118 |
| 7 years | $-10,888 |
| 9 years | $-10,658 |
| 11 years | $-10,428 |
| 13 years | $-10,198 |
| 15 years | $-9,968 |
| 17 years | $-9,738 |
| 19 years | $-9,508 |
| 21 years | $-9,278 |
| 23 years | $-9,048 |
| 25 years | $-8,818 |
Top Solar Installers in Gun Plain
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Gun Plain, we've compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Gun Plain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gun Plain
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Gun Plain: 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gun Plain to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to factor 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 promotions 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $22,552 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $30,384 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $38,373 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $46,520 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $54,824 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $63,285 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $71,904 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $80,680 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity 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.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Gun Plain, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gun Plain?
The average cost of solar panels in Gun Plain is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Gun Plain?
A solar panel system isn't free in Gun Plain, 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gun Plain?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.