Solar Panel Cost Guide in Unadilla, MI (2023 Update)
- Unadilla Solar Installation Cost: $12,176
- 25-Year Savings: $16,847
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Unadilla
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Unadilla.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Unadilla, the average cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average Unadilla homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,176 with the federal tax credit, or $17,412 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Unadilla based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Unadilla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,015 |
| 3 years | $-8,693 |
| 5 years | $-6,371 |
| 7 years | $-4,049 |
| 9 years | $-1,727 |
| 11 years | $594 |
| 13 years | $2,916 |
| 15 years | $5,238 |
| 17 years | $7,560 |
| 19 years | $9,882 |
| 21 years | $12,204 |
| 23 years | $14,525 |
| 25 years | $16,847 |
Top Solar Installers in Unadilla
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Unadilla:
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 Unadilla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Unadilla
Although the average cost of a solar system in Unadilla is $12,176, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Unadilla, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Unadilla, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $15,874 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,480 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $27,244 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $33,164 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $39,243 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $45,478 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $51,871 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $58,421 | 9.4 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Unadilla, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Unadilla?
The average cost of solar panels in Unadilla is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Unadilla is currently $235,329, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,648 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Unadilla is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.