Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brandon, MI (2024 Update)
- Brandon Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
- 25-Year Savings: $14,424
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brandon
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Brandon.
The average cost of a solar system in Brandon is 4 per watt.The average Brandon homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,556 with the federal tax credit, or $25,105 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brandon homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brandon find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Brandon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,210 |
| 3 years | $-13,517 |
| 5 years | $-10,825 |
| 7 years | $-8,133 |
| 9 years | $-5,441 |
| 11 years | $-2,748 |
| 13 years | $-56 |
| 15 years | $2,636 |
| 17 years | $5,328 |
| 19 years | $8,021 |
| 21 years | $10,713 |
| 23 years | $13,405 |
| 25 years | $16,097 |
Top Solar Installers in Brandon
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Brandon, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brandon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brandon
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Brandon, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brandon, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Brandon, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add 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
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Brandon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $8,078 | 17.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $11,225 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $14,600 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $18,202 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $22,032 | 15.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $26,089 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $30,373 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $34,884 | 14.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Brandon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brandon?
The average cost of solar panels in Brandon 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 how much 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 continue to use 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.