Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainwell, MI (2024 Update)
- Plainwell Solar Installation Cost: $16,895
- 25-Year Savings: $22,811
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainwell
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Plainwell.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plainwell generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Plainwell, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,895, or $24,160 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Plainwell homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Plainwell for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plainwell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,641 |
| 3 years | $-13,133 |
| 5 years | $-10,626 |
| 7 years | $-8,119 |
| 9 years | $-5,611 |
| 11 years | $-3,104 |
| 13 years | $-596 |
| 15 years | $1,911 |
| 17 years | $4,418 |
| 19 years | $6,926 |
| 21 years | $9,433 |
| 23 years | $11,940 |
| 25 years | $14,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Plainwell
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Plainwell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainwell
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Plainwell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plainwell average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plainwell to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plainwell is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $17,092 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,244 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,623 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,230 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,064 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,125 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,414 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,930 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Plainwell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Plainwell, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plainwell?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-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 Plainwell?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Plainwell, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.