Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsfield, MI (2024 Update)
- Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $13,064
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsfield
We break down average solar pricing in Pittsfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pittsfield, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Pittsfield homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Pittsfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,027 |
| 3 years | $-13,242 |
| 5 years | $-10,457 |
| 7 years | $-7,673 |
| 9 years | $-4,888 |
| 11 years | $-2,103 |
| 13 years | $681 |
| 15 years | $3,466 |
| 17 years | $6,251 |
| 19 years | $9,035 |
| 21 years | $11,820 |
| 23 years | $14,605 |
| 25 years | $17,389 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Pittsfield, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
There are a number of factors that can play into your total 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Pittsfield, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Pittsfield is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $6,856 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,597 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,564 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,759 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,181 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,831 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,708 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,812 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
EcoWatch's Pittsfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pittsfield?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Pittsfield, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Pittsfield have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.