Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clyde, MI (2024 Update)
- Clyde Solar Installation Cost: $16,921
- 25-Year Savings: $13,409
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clyde
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clyde.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clyde, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clyde, the average price of going solar will be about $16,921 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Clyde homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on electricity 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 Clyde
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,529 |
| 3 years | $-12,744 |
| 5 years | $-9,959 |
| 7 years | $-7,175 |
| 9 years | $-4,390 |
| 11 years | $-1,605 |
| 13 years | $1,179 |
| 15 years | $3,964 |
| 17 years | $6,749 |
| 19 years | $9,533 |
| 21 years | $12,318 |
| 23 years | $15,103 |
| 25 years | $17,887 |
Top Solar Installers in Clyde
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Clyde, we've organized 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 Clyde
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clyde
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Clyde: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Clyde.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Clyde is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,580 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $10,562 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $13,770 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $17,206 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $20,870 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $24,761 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $28,879 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $33,225 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Clyde, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clyde?
The average cost of solar panels in Clyde 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clyde?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Clyde, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $843.81 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Clyde?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.