Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainwell, MI (2023 Update)
- Plainwell Solar Installation Cost: $11,693
- 25-Year Savings: $22,811
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainwell
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plainwell.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Plainwell it's 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Plainwell can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Plainwell for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plainwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,439 |
| 3 years | $-7,932 |
| 5 years | $-5,425 |
| 7 years | $-2,917 |
| 9 years | $-410 |
| 11 years | $2,098 |
| 13 years | $4,605 |
| 15 years | $7,112 |
| 17 years | $9,620 |
| 19 years | $12,127 |
| 21 years | $14,635 |
| 23 years | $17,142 |
| 25 years | $19,649 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainwell
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $2,810. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Plainwell, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Plainwell, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainwell?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Plainwell?
You can't get solar panels for free in Plainwell. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Plainwell?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 amount 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.