Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allendale, MI (2023 Update)
- Allendale Solar Installation Cost: $11,664
- 25-Year Savings: $20,977
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allendale
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Allendale.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Allendale generally cost around 2.81. Using this figure, a typical 5.9-kW system would cost about $11,664 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Allendale see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allendale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,359 |
| 3 years | $-7,747 |
| 5 years | $-5,136 |
| 7 years | $-2,525 |
| 9 years | $87 |
| 11 years | $2,698 |
| 13 years | $5,309 |
| 15 years | $7,920 |
| 17 years | $10,532 |
| 19 years | $13,143 |
| 21 years | $15,754 |
| 23 years | $18,366 |
| 25 years | $20,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Allendale
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted 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
See all of the solar companies in Allendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allendale
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Allendale is $11,664, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Allendale. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Allendale, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Allendale, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,751 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,983 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,373 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,919 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,623 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,484 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,503 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $74,679 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Allendale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Allendale, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Allendale?
The average cost of solar panels in Allendale is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Allendale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.