Solar Panel Cost Guide in Putnam, MI (2024 Update)
- Putnam Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
- 25-Year Savings: $16,346
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Putnam
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Putnam.
The average cost of solar panels in Putnam is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Putnam is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,582 for a solar installation, or $25,142 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Putnam find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Putnam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,328 |
| 3 years | $-13,821 |
| 5 years | $-11,313 |
| 7 years | $-8,806 |
| 9 years | $-6,299 |
| 11 years | $-3,791 |
| 13 years | $-1,284 |
| 15 years | $1,224 |
| 17 years | $3,731 |
| 19 years | $6,238 |
| 21 years | $8,746 |
| 23 years | $11,253 |
| 25 years | $13,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Putnam
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Putnam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Putnam
The cost of installing a solar system in Putnam can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Putnam provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Putnam homeowners, they can also add to 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Putnam is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $9,921 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $13,683 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $17,672 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $21,889 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $26,332 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $31,004 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $35,902 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $41,028 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
EcoWatch's Putnam, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Putnam?
The average cost of solar panels in Putnam is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Putnam have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 energy bills.
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 how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.