Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robinson, MI (2023 Update)
- Robinson Solar Installation Cost: $11,664
- 25-Year Savings: $20,511
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robinson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Robinson.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Robinson generally cost about 2.81. The average Robinson 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.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Robinson based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Robinson homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Robinson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Robinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,377 |
| 3 years | $-7,803 |
| 5 years | $-5,229 |
| 7 years | $-2,655 |
| 9 years | $-81 |
| 11 years | $2,493 |
| 13 years | $5,067 |
| 15 years | $7,641 |
| 17 years | $10,215 |
| 19 years | $12,789 |
| 21 years | $15,363 |
| 23 years | $17,937 |
| 25 years | $20,511 |
Top Solar Installers in Robinson
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Robinson:
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 Robinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinson
There are a number of criteria that can determine 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 panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Robinson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Robinson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,280 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,355 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,587 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $41,977 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $49,523 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,228 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,089 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,108 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Robinson, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Robinson?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Robinson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Robinson?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.