Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schoolcraft, MI (2024 Update)

  • Schoolcraft Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,756
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schoolcraft

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Schoolcraft.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Schoolcraft, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Schoolcraft, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,318, or $24,765 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Schoolcraft homeowners. 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Schoolcraft can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Schoolcraft

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,065
3 years $-13,557
5 years $-11,050
7 years $-8,542
9 years $-6,035
11 years $-3,528
13 years $-1,020
15 years $1,487
17 years $3,995
19 years $6,502
21 years $9,009
23 years $11,517
25 years $14,024

Top Solar Installers in Schoolcraft

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Schoolcraft

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schoolcraft

For many Schoolcraft homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Schoolcraft, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Schoolcraft.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Schoolcraft average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Schoolcraft homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Schoolcraft homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Schoolcraft, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Schoolcraft are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 $13,519 14.2 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $18,481 13.9 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $23,669 13.6 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $29,085 13.4 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $34,728 13.1 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $40,599 12.8 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $46,697 12.5 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $53,023 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Schoolcraft, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Schoolcraft?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Schoolcraft have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in Schoolcraft?

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 larger amount 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.

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