Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lapeer, MI (2024 Update)
- Lapeer Solar Installation Cost: $17,632
- 25-Year Savings: $12,916
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lapeer
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Lapeer.
In Lapeer, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,632 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lapeer homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lapeer see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lapeer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,240 |
| 3 years | $-13,455 |
| 5 years | $-10,671 |
| 7 years | $-7,886 |
| 9 years | $-5,101 |
| 11 years | $-2,317 |
| 13 years | $468 |
| 15 years | $3,253 |
| 17 years | $6,037 |
| 19 years | $8,822 |
| 21 years | $11,607 |
| 23 years | $14,391 |
| 25 years | $17,176 |
Top Solar Installers in Lapeer
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lapeer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lapeer
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Lapeer: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Lapeer.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lapeer, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Lapeer’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $6,559 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,200 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,068 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,164 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $18,487 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,038 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $25,816 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $29,821 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Lapeer, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lapeer?
The average cost of solar panels in Lapeer 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Lapeer?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lapeer. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lapeer is currently $252,136, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,338 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lapeer is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Lapeer?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.