Solar Panel Cost Guide in Okemos, MI (2024 Update)
- Okemos Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $17,783
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Okemos
We go over average solar pricing in Okemos.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Okemos it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Okemos, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,543, or $25,086 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Okemos homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Okemos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,289 |
| 3 years | $-13,782 |
| 5 years | $-11,274 |
| 7 years | $-8,767 |
| 9 years | $-6,259 |
| 11 years | $-3,752 |
| 13 years | $-1,245 |
| 15 years | $1,263 |
| 17 years | $3,770 |
| 19 years | $6,278 |
| 21 years | $8,785 |
| 23 years | $11,292 |
| 25 years | $13,800 |
Top Solar Installers in Okemos
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Okemos, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Okemos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Okemos
Though the average cost of a solar system in Okemos is $17,543, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Okemos average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Okemos, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Okemos is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,353 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $15,592 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $20,058 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $24,752 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $29,673 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $34,822 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $40,198 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $45,801 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Okemos, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Okemos?
The average cost of solar panels in Okemos is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Okemos is currently $348,998, which means you could be looking at a value of about $14,309 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Okemos is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.