Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, MI (2023 Update)
- Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $12,136
- 25-Year Savings: $21,552
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Mount Pleasant is 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mount Pleasant, the average price of going solar will be about $12,136 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mount Pleasant find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,789 |
| 3 years | $-8,094 |
| 5 years | $-5,399 |
| 7 years | $-2,704 |
| 9 years | $-9 |
| 11 years | $2,687 |
| 13 years | $5,382 |
| 15 years | $8,077 |
| 17 years | $10,772 |
| 19 years | $13,467 |
| 21 years | $16,162 |
| 23 years | $18,857 |
| 25 years | $21,552 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Mount Pleasant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant
Although the average cost of a solar system in Mount Pleasant is $12,136, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mount Pleasant average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mount Pleasant, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Mount Pleasant, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,509 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,660 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,968 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,434 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,057 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,837 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,775 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,870 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Mount Pleasant, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Mount Pleasant have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.