Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ontwa, MI (2024 Update)
- Ontwa Solar Installation Cost: $17,042
- 25-Year Savings: $18,166
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ontwa
We go over average solar pricing in Ontwa.
The average cost of a solar system in Ontwa is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $17,042 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ontwa homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ontwa find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Ontwa for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Ontwa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,817 |
| 3 years | $-13,368 |
| 5 years | $-10,919 |
| 7 years | $-8,470 |
| 9 years | $-6,022 |
| 11 years | $-3,573 |
| 13 years | $-1,124 |
| 15 years | $1,325 |
| 17 years | $3,774 |
| 19 years | $6,223 |
| 21 years | $8,672 |
| 23 years | $11,120 |
| 25 years | $13,569 |
Top Solar Installers in Ontwa
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Ontwa:
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 Ontwa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ontwa
For many Ontwa homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ontwa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Ontwa.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Ontwa’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,245 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,781 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $21,545 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $26,536 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $31,754 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,200 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $42,873 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $48,773 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Ontwa, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ontwa?
The average cost of solar panels in Ontwa 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ontwa?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ontwa. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Ontwa have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Ontwa?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.