Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vassar, MI (2024 Update)
- Vassar Solar Installation Cost: $17,651
- 25-Year Savings: $16,599
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vassar
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vassar.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vassar it’s 4 per watt.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 $17,651, or $25,241 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vassar find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Vassar, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vassar
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,397 |
| 3 years | $-13,890 |
| 5 years | $-11,382 |
| 7 years | $-8,875 |
| 9 years | $-6,367 |
| 11 years | $-3,860 |
| 13 years | $-1,353 |
| 15 years | $1,155 |
| 17 years | $3,662 |
| 19 years | $6,170 |
| 21 years | $8,677 |
| 23 years | $11,184 |
| 25 years | $13,692 |
Top Solar Installers in Vassar
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
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:
See all of the solar companies in Vassar
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vassar
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Vassar.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Vassar, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Vassar, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Vassar have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,103 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $13,926 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $17,976 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $22,253 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $26,758 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $31,490 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $36,449 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $41,636 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Vassar, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's Vassar, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vassar?
The average cost of solar panels in Vassar is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Vassar?
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 don’t have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Vassar?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.