Solar Panel Cost Guide in Metamora, MI (Mar 2023)
- Metamora Solar Installation Cost: $12,195
- 25-Year Savings: $12,924
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Metamora
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Metamora.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Metamora it's 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,195 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Metamora homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high initial cost, the average Metamora homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Metamora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,191 |
| 3 years | $-9,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,171 |
| 7 years | $-5,162 |
| 9 years | $-3,152 |
| 11 years | $-1,143 |
| 13 years | $867 |
| 15 years | $2,876 |
| 17 years | $4,886 |
| 19 years | $6,896 |
| 21 years | $8,905 |
| 23 years | $10,915 |
| 25 years | $12,924 |
Top Solar Installers in Metamora
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Metamora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Metamora
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Metamora: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Metamora, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 a small roof 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Metamora is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,019 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,340 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,818 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,454 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,247 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,198 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,306 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,571 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Metamora, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Metamora?
The average cost of solar panels in Metamora is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Metamora?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 level 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.