Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ida, MI (2023 Update)
- Ida Solar Installation Cost: $11,822
- 25-Year Savings: $17,582
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ida
We break down average solar pricing in Ida.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ida it's 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $11,822 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Ida homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Ida that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ida
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,646 |
| 3 years | $-8,293 |
| 5 years | $-5,941 |
| 7 years | $-3,589 |
| 9 years | $-1,236 |
| 11 years | $1,116 |
| 13 years | $3,468 |
| 15 years | $5,821 |
| 17 years | $8,173 |
| 19 years | $10,525 |
| 21 years | $12,878 |
| 23 years | $15,230 |
| 25 years | $17,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Ida
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ida
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ida
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Ida: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Ida. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only 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 Ida to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Ida, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $17,097 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $23,111 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $29,282 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $35,611 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $42,097 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $48,740 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $55,541 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $62,499 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Ida, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Ida, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ida?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ida?
Solar panels aren't free in Ida, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, 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 Ida?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.