Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paw Paw, MI (2023 Update)
- Paw Paw Solar Installation Cost: $11,409
- 25-Year Savings: $20,333
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paw Paw
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Paw Paw.
The average cost of solar panels in Paw Paw is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Paw Paw is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,409 for a solar installation, or $16,315 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Paw Paw see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Paw Paw, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paw Paw
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,139 |
| 3 years | $-7,600 |
| 5 years | $-5,060 |
| 7 years | $-2,521 |
| 9 years | $18 |
| 11 years | $2,558 |
| 13 years | $5,097 |
| 15 years | $7,636 |
| 17 years | $10,176 |
| 19 years | $12,715 |
| 21 years | $15,254 |
| 23 years | $17,794 |
| 25 years | $20,333 |
Top Solar Installers in Paw Paw
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote 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 Paw Paw
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paw Paw
For many Paw Paw homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Paw Paw, 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 significant 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Paw Paw. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Paw Paw average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Paw Paw offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Paw Paw homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Paw Paw's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $20,543 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,706 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,026 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,503 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,137 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,929 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,879 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,985 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Paw Paw, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, 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
EcoWatch's Paw Paw, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paw Paw?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Paw Paw?
You can't get solar panels for free in Paw Paw. 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'd prefer 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 in Paw Paw, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.