Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marquette, MI (2024 Update)
- Marquette Solar Installation Cost: $17,972
- 25-Year Savings: $26,895
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marquette
We break down average solar pricing in Marquette.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Marquette is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $17,972 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $28,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Marquette find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marquette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,178 |
| 3 years | $-12,588 |
| 5 years | $-8,999 |
| 7 years | $-5,409 |
| 9 years | $-1,820 |
| 11 years | $1,769 |
| 13 years | $5,359 |
| 15 years | $8,948 |
| 17 years | $12,538 |
| 19 years | $16,127 |
| 21 years | $19,717 |
| 23 years | $23,306 |
| 25 years | $26,895 |
Top Solar Installers in Marquette
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Marquette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marquette
There are many criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Marquette, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Marquette is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $25,934 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $35,033 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $44,360 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $53,914 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $63,695 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $73,704 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $83,940 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $94,403 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Marquette, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marquette?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra 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 Marquette?
Solar panels aren’t free in Marquette, 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 can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power 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 $1,455.59 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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.