Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, MI (2024 Update)
- Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $17,523
- 25-Year Savings: $21,561
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Pleasant
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Mount Pleasant.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mount Pleasant, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Mount Pleasant is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,523 for a solar installation, or $25,058 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mount Pleasant find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Mount Pleasant that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,269 |
| 3 years | $-13,762 |
| 5 years | $-11,254 |
| 7 years | $-8,747 |
| 9 years | $-6,240 |
| 11 years | $-3,732 |
| 13 years | $-1,225 |
| 15 years | $1,283 |
| 17 years | $3,790 |
| 19 years | $6,297 |
| 21 years | $8,805 |
| 23 years | $11,312 |
| 25 years | $13,819 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Mount Pleasant
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant
For many Mount Pleasant homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mount Pleasant, 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
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, such as 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 difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mount Pleasant, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mount Pleasant homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Mount Pleasant’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that provides 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,049 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,520 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,218 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,144 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,297 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,677 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,285 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,120 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Mount Pleasant, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Mount Pleasant, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
The average cost of solar panels in Mount Pleasant 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Mount Pleasant, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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.