Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Johns, MI (2024 Update)
- St. Johns Solar Installation Cost: $17,559
- 25-Year Savings: $21,536
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Johns
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St. Johns.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Johns it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in St. Johns, the average price of going solar will be about $17,559 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in St. Johns can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in St. Johns
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,305 |
| 3 years | $-13,798 |
| 5 years | $-11,290 |
| 7 years | $-8,783 |
| 9 years | $-6,276 |
| 11 years | $-3,768 |
| 13 years | $-1,261 |
| 15 years | $1,247 |
| 17 years | $3,754 |
| 19 years | $6,261 |
| 21 years | $8,769 |
| 23 years | $11,276 |
| 25 years | $13,783 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Johns
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. 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 avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar installer in St. Johns, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 St. Johns
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Johns
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many St. Johns homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout St. Johns, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 car 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 | $14,982 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,430 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,106 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,010 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,140 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,498 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,084 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,897 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to 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.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 St. Johns, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Johns?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Johns 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in St. Johns?
You can’t get solar panels for free in St. Johns. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Johns?
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 electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.