Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tittabawassee, MI (2023 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 October 25, 2023

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

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Tittabawassee.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Tittabawassee is 2.81 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Tittabawassee is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,195 for a solar installation, or $17,439 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Tittabawassee

Year Return 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

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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

For many Tittabawassee homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Tittabawassee, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

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 going solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Tittabawassee, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $16,437 13.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $22,370 12.7 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $28,531 12.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $34,920 12.2 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $41,535 12.0 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $48,378 11.7 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $55,449 11.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $62,747 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, 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 how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tittabawassee?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose 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 can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.

Does Tittabawassee have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either 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?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.

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