Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hamburg, MI (2024 Update)
- Hamburg Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
- 25-Year Savings: $16,071
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hamburg
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hamburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hamburg, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Hamburg, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,582, or $25,142 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hamburg can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
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 Hamburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,236 |
| 3 years | $-13,543 |
| 5 years | $-10,851 |
| 7 years | $-8,159 |
| 9 years | $-5,467 |
| 11 years | $-2,774 |
| 13 years | $-82 |
| 15 years | $2,610 |
| 17 years | $5,302 |
| 19 years | $7,995 |
| 21 years | $10,687 |
| 23 years | $13,379 |
| 25 years | $16,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Hamburg
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Hamburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hamburg
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Hamburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Hamburg.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hamburg offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hamburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact the cost. Hamburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $8,040 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $11,174 | 16.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $14,536 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $18,126 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $21,942 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $25,986 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $30,258 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $34,757 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Hamburg, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hamburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Hamburg is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hamburg?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.