Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Lake, MI (2025 Update)
- Long Lake Solar Installation Cost: $17,958
- 25-Year Savings: $17,695
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Lake
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Long Lake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Long Lake it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Long Lake, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,958, or $25,680 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Long Lake can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Long Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,704 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,182 |
| 9 years | $-6,675 |
| 11 years | $-4,167 |
| 13 years | $-1,660 |
| 15 years | $848 |
| 17 years | $3,355 |
| 19 years | $5,862 |
| 21 years | $8,370 |
| 23 years | $10,877 |
| 25 years | $13,385 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Lake
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Long Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Lake
Although the average cost of a solar system in Long Lake is $17,958, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Long Lake, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Long Lake is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,870 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,948 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,253 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $23,786 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,546 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $33,534 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $38,749 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,191 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
EcoWatch's Long Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Long Lake?
Solar panels aren’t free in Long Lake, 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 you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $953.47 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Long Lake?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.