Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kalkaska, MI (2024 Update)
- Kalkaska Solar Installation Cost: $17,888
- 25-Year Savings: $20,973
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kalkaska
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Kalkaska.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kalkaska typically cost around 4.The average Kalkaska homeowner needs a 6.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,888 with the federal tax credit, or $25,580 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Kalkaska 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 $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kalkaska find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kalkaska that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kalkaska
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,634 |
| 3 years | $-14,126 |
| 5 years | $-11,619 |
| 7 years | $-9,112 |
| 9 years | $-6,604 |
| 11 years | $-4,097 |
| 13 years | $-1,589 |
| 15 years | $918 |
| 17 years | $3,425 |
| 19 years | $5,933 |
| 21 years | $8,440 |
| 23 years | $10,947 |
| 25 years | $13,455 |
Top Solar Installers in Kalkaska
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Kalkaska, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Kalkaska
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kalkaska
There are many factors that can play into your total 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 Kalkaska, one of the most important 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 a small roof 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kalkaska homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Kalkaska, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Kalkaska have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $14,061 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $19,203 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $24,573 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $30,169 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $35,993 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $42,044 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $48,323 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $54,829 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Kalkaska, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kalkaska?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kalkaska?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Kalkaska, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kalkaska, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.