Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, MI (2024 Update)
- Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $17,669
- 25-Year Savings: $22,276
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fremont
We go over average solar pricing in Fremont.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fremont typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Fremont, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,669, or $25,267 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Fremont based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fremont find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Fremont, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fremont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,415 |
| 3 years | $-13,908 |
| 5 years | $-11,400 |
| 7 years | $-8,893 |
| 9 years | $-6,386 |
| 11 years | $-3,878 |
| 13 years | $-1,371 |
| 15 years | $1,137 |
| 17 years | $3,644 |
| 19 years | $6,151 |
| 21 years | $8,659 |
| 23 years | $11,166 |
| 25 years | $13,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Fremont
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Fremont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont
For many Fremont homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fremont, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Fremont, one of the most crucial 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fremont average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fremont to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
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 Fremont is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,566 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,209 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,080 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,177 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,503 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,056 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,836 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $59,843 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fremont, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fremont?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,109.99 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.