Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gladstone, MI (2024 Update)
- Gladstone Solar Installation Cost: $16,935
- 25-Year Savings: $31,272
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gladstone
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Gladstone.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gladstone typically cost around 4.Since a 6.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Gladstone, the average price of going solar will be about $16,935 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Gladstone based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Gladstone homeowner can save around $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gladstone
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,140 |
| 3 years | $-11,551 |
| 5 years | $-7,961 |
| 7 years | $-4,372 |
| 9 years | $-782 |
| 11 years | $2,807 |
| 13 years | $6,397 |
| 15 years | $9,986 |
| 17 years | $13,576 |
| 19 years | $17,165 |
| 21 years | $20,754 |
| 23 years | $24,344 |
| 25 years | $27,933 |
Top Solar Installers in Gladstone
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Gladstone, 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 Gladstone
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gladstone
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gladstone: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Gladstone, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gladstone have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gladstone homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 vehicle 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 | $25,557 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $34,530 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $43,732 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $53,160 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $62,816 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $72,699 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $82,809 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $93,147 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Gladstone, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gladstone?
The average cost of solar panels in Gladstone 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 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 Gladstone?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Gladstone, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.