Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grass Lake, MI (2024 Update)

  • Grass Lake Solar Installation Cost: $17,403
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,643
  • Payback Period: 12.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grass Lake

We go over average solar pricing in Grass Lake.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grass Lake it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,403 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Grass Lake homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Grass Lake homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Grass Lake for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Grass Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,149
3 years $-13,642
5 years $-11,135
7 years $-8,627
9 years $-6,120
11 years $-3,612
13 years $-1,105
15 years $1,402
17 years $3,910
19 years $6,417
21 years $8,925
23 years $11,432
25 years $13,939

Top Solar Installers in Grass Lake

Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Grass Lake:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Grass Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grass Lake

For many Grass Lake homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Grass Lake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Grass Lake average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Grass Lake offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Grass Lake, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.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 specials 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 $15,275 13.4 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $20,821 13.2 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $26,594 12.9 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $32,595 12.7 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $38,824 12.4 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $45,279 12.1 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $51,962 11.9 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $58,873 11.6 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Grass Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grass Lake?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Grass Lake?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Grass Lake. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.

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