Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainwell, MI (Mar 2023)
- Plainwell Solar Installation Cost: $11,684
- 25-Year Savings: $22,821
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainwell
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Plainwell.
The average cost of solar panels in Plainwell is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.9-kW system would cost about $11,684 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Plainwell homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plainwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,304 |
| 3 years | $-7,543 |
| 5 years | $-4,783 |
| 7 years | $-2,023 |
| 9 years | $738 |
| 11 years | $3,498 |
| 13 years | $6,258 |
| 15 years | $9,019 |
| 17 years | $11,779 |
| 19 years | $14,539 |
| 21 years | $17,300 |
| 23 years | $20,060 |
| 25 years | $22,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainwell
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Plainwell, we've organized 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 Plainwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainwell
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Plainwell, 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plainwell average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plainwell to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Plainwell's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $22,552 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $30,384 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $38,373 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $46,520 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $54,824 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $63,285 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $71,904 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $80,680 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Plainwell, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainwell?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainwell is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Plainwell is currently $159,000, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,519 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plainwell is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 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.