Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ash, MI (2024 Update)

  • Ash Solar Installation Cost: $17,071
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,305
  • Payback Period: 17.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 Ash

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

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ash it’s 4 per watt.Because a 6.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ash, the average price of going solar will be about $17,071 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Ash depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Ash homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ash

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,678
3 years$-12,894
5 years$-10,109
7 years$-7,324
9 years$-4,540
11 years$-1,755
13 years$1,030
15 years$3,814
17 years$6,599
19 years$9,384
21 years$12,168
23 years$14,953
25 years$17,738

Top Solar Installers in Ash

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're looking for a solar company in Ash, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Ash

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ash

Although the average cost of a solar system in Ash is $17,071, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Ash, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Ash provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ash, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$7,35817.7 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$10,26517.3 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$13,40017.0 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$16,76216.6 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$20,35216.3 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$24,16816.0 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$28,21315.6 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$32,48415.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.

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 Ash, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ash?

The average cost of solar panels in Ash is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ash?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 property 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.

Does Ash have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.