Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montcalm, MI (2023 Update)
- Montcalm Solar Installation Cost: $12,097
- 25-Year Savings: $21,741
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montcalm
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Montcalm.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montcalm, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average Montcalm homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,097 with the federal tax credit, or $17,299 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Montcalm homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Montcalm find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Montcalm
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,744 |
| 3 years | $-8,036 |
| 5 years | $-5,329 |
| 7 years | $-2,622 |
| 9 years | $85 |
| 11 years | $2,792 |
| 13 years | $5,499 |
| 15 years | $8,206 |
| 17 years | $10,913 |
| 19 years | $13,620 |
| 21 years | $16,327 |
| 23 years | $19,034 |
| 25 years | $21,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Montcalm
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Montcalm
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montcalm
While the average cost of a solar system in Montcalm is $12,097, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Montcalm, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Montcalm to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Montcalm, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,747 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,977 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,365 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,910 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,613 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,472 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,490 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $74,664 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Montcalm, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montcalm?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Montcalm?
You can't get solar panels for free in Montcalm. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.