Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blair, MI (2024 Update)
- Blair Solar Installation Cost: $17,958
- 25-Year Savings: $19,131
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blair
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Blair.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Blair generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Blair is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,958 for a solar installation, or $25,680 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Blair based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Blair homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blair
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,704 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,182 |
| 9 years | $-6,675 |
| 11 years | $-4,167 |
| 13 years | $-1,660 |
| 15 years | $848 |
| 17 years | $3,355 |
| 19 years | $5,862 |
| 21 years | $8,370 |
| 23 years | $10,877 |
| 25 years | $13,385 |
Top Solar Installers in Blair
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Blair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blair
The cost of installing a solar system in Blair can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Blair average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Blair offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
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 Blair is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,234 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,766 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $21,526 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $26,514 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $31,729 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,171 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $42,840 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $48,737 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Blair, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Blair?
The average cost of solar panels in Blair 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Blair?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Blair?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.