Solar Panel Cost Guide in Robinson, MI (2024 Update)
- Robinson Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
- 25-Year Savings: $20,511
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Robinson
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Robinson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Robinson, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Robinson, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,853, or $24,100 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Robinson 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.Despite the high initial cost, the average Robinson homeowner can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Robinson for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Robinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,600 |
| 3 years | $-13,092 |
| 5 years | $-10,585 |
| 7 years | $-8,078 |
| 9 years | $-5,570 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-555 |
| 15 years | $1,952 |
| 17 years | $4,459 |
| 19 years | $6,967 |
| 21 years | $9,474 |
| 23 years | $11,982 |
| 25 years | $14,489 |
Top Solar Installers in Robinson
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 Robinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Robinson
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Robinson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Robinson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Robinson to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Robinson, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $14,820 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,215 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,837 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,687 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,763 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,068 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,599 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,358 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Robinson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Robinson, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Robinson?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Robinson?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Robinson, 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 further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Robinson, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 home 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.