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.
The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield is 4 per watt.The average Pittsfield homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,419 with the federal tax credit, or $24,909 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pittsfield for a quote for your home.
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
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
There are a number of factors that can play into your 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 price of a solar energy system in Pittsfield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get 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 limited roof space 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Pittsfield, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Pittsfield is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Pittsfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield 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.
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 viable, 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?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.