Solar Panel Cost Guide in Iron Mountain, MI (2024 Update)

  • Iron Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $17,906
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,051
  • Payback Period: 18.3 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 Iron Mountain

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Iron Mountain.

The average cost of a solar system in Iron Mountain is 4 per watt.Since a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Iron Mountain, the average price of going solar will be about $17,906 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large initial cost, the average Iron Mountain homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Iron Mountain, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Iron Mountain

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,597
3 years $-13,980
5 years $-11,364
7 years $-8,747
9 years $-6,130
11 years $-3,513
13 years $-897
15 years $1,720
17 years $4,337
19 years $6,954
21 years $9,571
23 years $12,187
25 years $14,804

Top Solar Installers in Iron Mountain

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Iron Mountain:

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 Iron Mountain

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Iron Mountain

For many Iron Mountain homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Iron Mountain, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Iron Mountain have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Iron Mountain homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Iron Mountain’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Iron Mountain know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $5,544 19.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $7,847 18.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $10,377 18.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $13,134 17.9 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $16,119 17.6 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $19,331 17.2 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $22,770 16.8 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $26,437 16.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Iron Mountain, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Iron Mountain, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Iron Mountain?

The average cost of solar panels in Iron Mountain is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Iron Mountain?

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 home 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 savings from going solar.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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