Solar Panel Cost Guide in Three Rivers, MI (2024 Update)
- Three Rivers Solar Installation Cost: $17,287
- 25-Year Savings: $19,777
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Three Rivers
We break down average solar pricing in Three Rivers.
The average cost of solar panels in Three Rivers is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Three Rivers is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,287 for a solar installation, or $24,720 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Three Rivers see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Three Rivers that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Three Rivers
| 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 Three Rivers
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Three Rivers
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Three Rivers
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Three Rivers: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Three Rivers offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Three Rivers is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $13,575 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,555 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,762 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,197 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $34,859 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,748 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $46,864 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $53,208 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Three Rivers, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Three Rivers, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Three Rivers?
The average cost of solar panels in Three Rivers 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Three Rivers have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.