Solar Panel Cost Guide in Imlay, MI (Mar 2023)
- Imlay Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $12,924
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Imlay
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Imlay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Imlay it's 2.81 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Imlay, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,195, or $17,439 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Imlay find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Imlay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,191 |
| 3 years | $-9,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,171 |
| 7 years | $-5,162 |
| 9 years | $-3,152 |
| 11 years | $-1,143 |
| 13 years | $867 |
| 15 years | $2,876 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,896 |
| 21 years | $8,905 |
| 23 years | $10,915 |
| 25 years | $12,924 |
Top Solar Installers in Imlay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Imlay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Imlay
For many Imlay homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Imlay, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Imlay homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Imlay homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Imlay is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,019 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,340 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,818 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,454 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,247 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,198 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,306 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,571 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Imlay, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Imlay, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Imlay?
The average cost of solar panels in Imlay 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 things 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?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Imlay have a net metering program?
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 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, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.