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 a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Mount Pleasant homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,523 with the federal tax credit, or $25,058 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Mount Pleasant based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mount Pleasant can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Mount Pleasant for a quote 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
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
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 various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Mount Pleasant.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Mount Pleasant, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mount Pleasant offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mount Pleasant homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Mount Pleasant, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Mount Pleasant, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Pleasant?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mount Pleasant?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Mount Pleasant. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mount Pleasant, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 install 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.