Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vassar, MI (2023 Update)
- Vassar Solar Installation Cost: $12,215
- 25-Year Savings: $16,600
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vassar
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Vassar.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vassar typically cost about 2.81. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Vassar, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,215, or $17,467 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Vassar homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Vassar, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vassar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,062 |
| 3 years | $-8,757 |
| 5 years | $-6,452 |
| 7 years | $-4,147 |
| 9 years | $-1,842 |
| 11 years | $464 |
| 13 years | $2,769 |
| 15 years | $5,074 |
| 17 years | $7,379 |
| 19 years | $9,684 |
| 21 years | $11,990 |
| 23 years | $14,295 |
| 25 years | $16,600 |
Top Solar Installers in Vassar
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Vassar:
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 Vassar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vassar
For many Vassar homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vassar, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,810. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Vassar, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Vassar's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,563 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,066 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,726 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,543 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $38,518 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $44,650 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $50,939 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $57,386 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Vassar, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vassar?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Vassar, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Vassar?
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 the amount of 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 keep using 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.