Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ira, MI (2024 Update)

  • Ira Solar Installation Cost: $16,921
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,409
  • Payback Period: 16.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ira

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Ira.

In Ira, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Ira is around 6.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,921 for a solar installation, or $24,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Ira homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Ira

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,529
3 years $-12,744
5 years $-9,959
7 years $-7,175
9 years $-4,390
11 years $-1,605
13 years $1,179
15 years $3,964
17 years $6,749
19 years $9,533
21 years $12,318
23 years $15,103
25 years $17,887

Top Solar Installers in Ira

Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar company in Ira, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Ira

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ira

Although the average cost of a solar system in Ira is $16,921, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ira, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ira, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Ira’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Ira are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $7,580 17.5 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $10,562 17.2 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $13,770 16.8 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $17,206 16.5 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $20,870 16.2 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $24,761 15.8 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $28,879 15.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $33,225 15.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 good reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Ira, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ira?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ira?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.

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