Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oscoda, MI (2024 Update)
- Oscoda Solar Installation Cost: $17,223
- 25-Year Savings: $23,514
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oscoda
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Oscoda.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oscoda generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Oscoda, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,223, or $24,629 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 energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Oscoda see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Oscoda, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oscoda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,969 |
| 3 years | $-13,462 |
| 5 years | $-10,955 |
| 7 years | $-8,447 |
| 9 years | $-5,940 |
| 11 years | $-3,433 |
| 13 years | $-925 |
| 15 years | $1,582 |
| 17 years | $4,090 |
| 19 years | $6,597 |
| 21 years | $9,104 |
| 23 years | $11,612 |
| 25 years | $14,119 |
Top Solar Installers in Oscoda
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Oscoda:
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 Oscoda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oscoda
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oscoda to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Oscoda homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Oscoda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $17,348 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,585 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $30,050 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,742 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,661 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,808 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $58,182 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,784 | 10.9 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model 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.
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 Oscoda, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oscoda?
The average cost of solar panels in Oscoda 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oscoda?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Oscoda. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Oscoda?
Each state has some form 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 electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 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.