Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandercook Lake, MI (2023 Update)
- Vandercook Lake Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $22,189
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandercook Lake
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Vandercook Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vandercook Lake, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,038 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Vandercook Lake homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high initial cost, the average Vandercook Lake homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vandercook Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,669 |
| 3 years | $-7,931 |
| 5 years | $-5,193 |
| 7 years | $-2,454 |
| 9 years | $284 |
| 11 years | $3,022 |
| 13 years | $5,760 |
| 15 years | $8,498 |
| 17 years | $11,236 |
| 19 years | $13,974 |
| 21 years | $16,713 |
| 23 years | $19,451 |
| 25 years | $22,189 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandercook Lake
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Vandercook Lake:
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 Vandercook Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandercook Lake
The cost of installing a solar system in Vandercook Lake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Vandercook Lake, one of the most crucial 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vandercook Lake to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Vandercook Lake is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,262 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,664 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,224 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,941 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,815 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,847 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $68,036 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $76,382 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Vandercook Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vandercook Lake?
This is a difficult 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Vandercook Lake?
You can't get solar panels for free in Vandercook Lake. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Vandercook Lake?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.