Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rutland, MI (2024 Update)

  • Rutland Solar Installation Cost: $17,425
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,958
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rutland

We go over average solar pricing in Rutland.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rutland typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Rutland is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,425 for a solar installation, or $24,918 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rutland depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Rutland for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Rutland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,171
3 years $-13,664
5 years $-11,156
7 years $-8,649
9 years $-6,141
11 years $-3,634
13 years $-1,127
15 years $1,381
17 years $3,888
19 years $6,396
21 years $8,903
23 years $11,410
25 years $13,918

Top Solar Installers in Rutland

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Rutland:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Rutland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rutland

Although the average cost of a solar system in Rutland is $17,425, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Rutland.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rutland homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating 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 company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Rutland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides 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 $15,556 13.3 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $21,196 13.1 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $27,064 12.8 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $33,159 12.5 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $39,481 12.3 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $46,030 12.0 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $52,807 11.8 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $59,812 11.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Rutland, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rutland?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rutland?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rutland is currently $285,560, so you can expect a value of about $11,708 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rutland is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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