Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sturgis, MI (2024 Update)
- Sturgis Solar Installation Cost: $17,287
- 25-Year Savings: $19,564
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sturgis
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sturgis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sturgis, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,287 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sturgis homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Sturgis homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sturgis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,034 |
| 3 years | $-13,526 |
| 5 years | $-11,019 |
| 7 years | $-8,512 |
| 9 years | $-6,004 |
| 11 years | $-3,497 |
| 13 years | $-989 |
| 15 years | $1,518 |
| 17 years | $4,025 |
| 19 years | $6,533 |
| 21 years | $9,040 |
| 23 years | $11,548 |
| 25 years | $14,055 |
Top Solar Installers in Sturgis
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
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 Sturgis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sturgis
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Sturgis.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sturgis, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sturgis homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sturgis is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Sturgis have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,365 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,275 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,412 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $28,777 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $34,369 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,188 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $46,235 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $52,509 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company 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 energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Sturgis, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sturgis?
The average cost of solar panels in Sturgis is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sturgis?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sturgis is currently $193,421, which means you can expect a value of about $7,930 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sturgis is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.