Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kawkawlin, MI (Mar 2023)
- Kawkawlin Solar Installation Cost: $12,117
- 25-Year Savings: $21,962
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kawkawlin
See how much it might cost to go solar in Kawkawlin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kawkawlin, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Kawkawlin, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,117, or $17,327 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Kawkawlin for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kawkawlin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,754 |
| 3 years | $-8,027 |
| 5 years | $-5,301 |
| 7 years | $-2,575 |
| 9 years | $152 |
| 11 years | $2,878 |
| 13 years | $5,604 |
| 15 years | $8,330 |
| 17 years | $11,057 |
| 19 years | $13,783 |
| 21 years | $16,509 |
| 23 years | $19,236 |
| 25 years | $21,962 |
Top Solar Installers in Kawkawlin
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Kawkawlin, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kawkawlin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kawkawlin
Though the average cost of a solar system in Kawkawlin is $12,117, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Kawkawlin, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $20,942 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,237 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,690 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,300 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,067 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,992 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,074 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $75,313 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Kawkawlin, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kawkawlin?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kawkawlin?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kawkawlin. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Kawkawlin have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.