Solar Panel Cost Guide in Big Rapids, MI (2024 Update)
- Big Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $17,566
- 25-Year Savings: $21,536
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Big Rapids
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Big Rapids.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Big Rapids generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Big Rapids, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,566, or $25,119 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 solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Big Rapids homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Big Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,312 |
| 3 years | $-13,805 |
| 5 years | $-11,297 |
| 7 years | $-8,790 |
| 9 years | $-6,283 |
| 11 years | $-3,775 |
| 13 years | $-1,268 |
| 15 years | $1,240 |
| 17 years | $3,747 |
| 19 years | $6,254 |
| 21 years | $8,762 |
| 23 years | $11,269 |
| 25 years | $13,777 |
Top Solar Installers in Big Rapids
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Big Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Big Rapids
The cost of installing a solar system in Big Rapids can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Big Rapids, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Big Rapids, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Big Rapids’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Big Rapids are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $14,974 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,420 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,094 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,994 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,122 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,478 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,061 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,871 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Big Rapids, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Big Rapids?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Big Rapids?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Big Rapids. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Big Rapids is currently $198,916, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,156 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Big Rapids is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Big Rapids?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.