Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Sheldon, MI (2023 Update)
- Port Sheldon Solar Installation Cost: $11,664
- 25-Year Savings: $22,840
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Sheldon
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Port Sheldon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Port Sheldon it's 2.81 per watt. The average Port Sheldon homeowner needs a 5.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,664 with the federal tax credit, or $16,680 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Sheldon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,284 |
| 3 years | $-7,524 |
| 5 years | $-4,763 |
| 7 years | $-2,003 |
| 9 years | $757 |
| 11 years | $3,518 |
| 13 years | $6,278 |
| 15 years | $9,038 |
| 17 years | $11,799 |
| 19 years | $14,559 |
| 21 years | $17,319 |
| 23 years | $20,080 |
| 25 years | $22,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Sheldon
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Port Sheldon, we've compiled 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 Port Sheldon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Sheldon
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel 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 for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,810. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Port Sheldon, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Port Sheldon provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Port Sheldon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $22,637 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $30,497 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $38,514 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $46,689 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $55,022 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $63,512 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $72,159 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $80,963 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Port Sheldon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Sheldon?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Sheldon is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Port Sheldon?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.