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

  • Tittabawassee Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,111
  • Payback Period: 12.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Tittabawassee

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Tittabawassee.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tittabawassee typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Tittabawassee is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,618 for a solar installation, or $25,194 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tittabawassee find investing in solar can pay off big.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Tittabawassee

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,364
3 years$-13,856
5 years$-11,349
7 years$-8,842
9 years$-6,334
11 years$-3,827
13 years$-1,319
15 years$1,188
17 years$3,695
19 years$6,203
21 years$8,710
23 years$11,217
25 years$13,725

Top Solar Installers in Tittabawassee

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Tittabawassee:

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 Tittabawassee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tittabawassee

The cost of installing a solar system in Tittabawassee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tittabawassee average.

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 Tittabawassee homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Tittabawassee is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$16,43713.0 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$22,37012.7 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$28,53112.5 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$34,92012.2 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$41,53512.0 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$48,37811.7 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$55,44911.5 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$62,74711.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

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 Tittabawassee, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tittabawassee?

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 savings from going solar.

How will installing 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 Tittabawassee is currently $221,517, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,082 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Tittabawassee is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Tittabawassee?

Even though 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 opt 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.