Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ross, MI (2024 Update)
- Ross Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
- 25-Year Savings: $22,632
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ross
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ross.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ross typically cost around 4.Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ross, the average price of going solar will be about $17,318 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Ross based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Ross homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Ross that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ross
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,065 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-11,050 |
| 7 years | $-8,542 |
| 9 years | $-6,035 |
| 11 years | $-3,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,020 |
| 15 years | $1,487 |
| 17 years | $3,995 |
| 19 years | $6,502 |
| 21 years | $9,009 |
| 23 years | $11,517 |
| 25 years | $14,024 |
Top Solar Installers in Ross
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Ross, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Ross
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ross
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ross is $17,318, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ross to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ross homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,352 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,258 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,390 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,750 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,338 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,153 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,195 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,465 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts 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:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Ross, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ross?
The average cost of solar panels in Ross 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ross?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ross, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,136.21 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 install 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.