Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainwell, MI (2024 Update)
- Plainwell Solar Installation Cost: $16,895
- 25-Year Savings: $22,811
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainwell
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Plainwell.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plainwell generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Plainwell, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,895, or $24,160 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plainwell find investing in solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,641 |
| 3 years | $-13,133 |
| 5 years | $-10,626 |
| 7 years | $-8,119 |
| 9 years | $-5,611 |
| 11 years | $-3,104 |
| 13 years | $-596 |
| 15 years | $1,911 |
| 17 years | $4,418 |
| 19 years | $6,926 |
| 21 years | $9,433 |
| 23 years | $11,940 |
| 25 years | $14,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainwell
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Plainwell:
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 Plainwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainwell
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Plainwell is $16,895, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,060. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Plainwell homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Plainwell, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $17,092 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,244 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,623 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,230 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,064 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,125 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,414 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,930 | 11.0 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Plainwell, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainwell?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainwell 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Plainwell?
Solar panels aren’t free in Plainwell, 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 you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.