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.The average solar panel system size in St. Johns is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,559 for a solar installation, or $25,109 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in St. Johns depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average St. Johns homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in St. Johns for a quote for your home.
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
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in St. Johns
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Johns
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in St. Johns: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in St. Johns.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in St. Johns to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for St. Johns homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in St. Johns, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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
There are numerous companies to choose from in St. Johns, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
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?
Solar panels aren’t free in St. Johns, 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.
Does St. Johns 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 utility 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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.