Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fruitland, MI (2024 Update)
- Fruitland Solar Installation Cost: $16,349
- 25-Year Savings: $23,456
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fruitland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fruitland.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fruitland typically cost around 4.The average Fruitland homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,349 with the federal tax credit, or $23,379 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Fruitland homeowners see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fruitland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,095 |
| 3 years | $-12,587 |
| 5 years | $-10,080 |
| 7 years | $-7,573 |
| 9 years | $-5,065 |
| 11 years | $-2,558 |
| 13 years | $-50 |
| 15 years | $2,457 |
| 17 years | $4,964 |
| 19 years | $7,472 |
| 21 years | $9,979 |
| 23 years | $12,486 |
| 25 years | $14,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Fruitland
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Fruitland, the EcoWatch team has 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 Fruitland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fruitland
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Fruitland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fruitland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fruitland, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $18,533 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,165 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $32,025 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $39,112 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,426 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,968 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,737 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,734 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Fruitland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fruitland?
The average cost of solar panels in Fruitland 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 stuff such as the type 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 without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 $1,208.90 per year.
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 the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.