Solar Panel Cost Guide in Handy, MI (2024 Update)
- Handy Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
- 25-Year Savings: $16,854
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Handy
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Handy.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Handy is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Handy, 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 true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Handy depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Handy homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Handy for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Handy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,328 |
| 3 years | $-13,821 |
| 5 years | $-11,313 |
| 7 years | $-8,806 |
| 9 years | $-6,299 |
| 11 years | $-3,791 |
| 13 years | $-1,284 |
| 15 years | $1,224 |
| 17 years | $3,731 |
| 19 years | $6,238 |
| 21 years | $8,746 |
| 23 years | $11,253 |
| 25 years | $13,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Handy
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are various 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 Handy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Handy
While the average cost of a solar system in Handy is $17,582, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Handy.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Handy average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Handy homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Handy, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $10,414 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,340 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $18,494 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $22,874 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $27,483 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $32,318 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $37,381 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $42,671 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Handy, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Handy, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Handy?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Handy is currently $273,311, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,206 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Handy is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Handy?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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.