Solar Panel Cost Guide in Battle Creek, MI (2024 Update)
- Battle Creek Solar Installation Cost: $17,354
- 25-Year Savings: $22,285
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Battle Creek
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Battle Creek.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Battle Creek typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Battle Creek, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,354, or $24,816 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Battle Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,101 |
| 3 years | $-13,593 |
| 5 years | $-11,086 |
| 7 years | $-8,579 |
| 9 years | $-6,071 |
| 11 years | $-3,564 |
| 13 years | $-1,056 |
| 15 years | $1,451 |
| 17 years | $3,958 |
| 19 years | $6,466 |
| 21 years | $8,973 |
| 23 years | $11,480 |
| 25 years | $13,988 |
Top Solar Installers in Battle Creek
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Battle Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Battle Creek
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Battle Creek: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Battle Creek.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Battle Creek, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Battle Creek are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $15,964 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,740 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,744 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,975 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,433 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,119 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,032 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,172 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Battle Creek, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Battle Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Battle Creek 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 use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Battle Creek, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.