Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainfield, MI (2023 Update)
- Plainfield Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $22,828
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainfield
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Plainfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plainfield it's 2.81 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Plainfield, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,156, or $17,383 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plainfield find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Plainfield for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Plainfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,757 |
| 3 years | $-7,958 |
| 5 years | $-5,159 |
| 7 years | $-2,360 |
| 9 years | $438 |
| 11 years | $3,237 |
| 13 years | $6,036 |
| 15 years | $8,834 |
| 17 years | $11,633 |
| 19 years | $14,432 |
| 21 years | $17,231 |
| 23 years | $20,029 |
| 25 years | $22,828 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainfield
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Plainfield, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Plainfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainfield
For many Plainfield homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Plainfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Plainfield, 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Plainfield, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Plainfield provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainfield is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Plainfield are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $21,716 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,269 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,980 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,848 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,873 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,056 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,396 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,893 | 7.8 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Plainfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainfield?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plainfield?
You can't get solar panels for free in Plainfield. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Plainfield have a net metering program?
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 give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.