Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mancelona, MI (2024 Update)
- Mancelona Solar Installation Cost: $17,256
- 25-Year Savings: $22,561
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mancelona
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Mancelona.
In Mancelona, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,256 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Mancelona homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Mancelona for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Mancelona
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,003 |
| 3 years | $-13,495 |
| 5 years | $-10,988 |
| 7 years | $-8,480 |
| 9 years | $-5,973 |
| 11 years | $-3,466 |
| 13 years | $-958 |
| 15 years | $1,549 |
| 17 years | $4,056 |
| 19 years | $6,564 |
| 21 years | $9,071 |
| 23 years | $11,579 |
| 25 years | $14,086 |
Top Solar Installers in Mancelona
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Mancelona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mancelona
For many Mancelona homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mancelona, 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Mancelona, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mancelona, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mancelona 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 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 Mancelona is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Mancelona know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $16,362 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,270 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,406 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,769 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,360 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,178 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,223 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,496 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Mancelona, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mancelona?
The average cost of solar panels in Mancelona 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Mancelona?
Solar panels aren’t free in Mancelona, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 $1,136.52 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.