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

  • Belding Solar Installation Cost: $17,521
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,378
  • Payback Period: 12.7 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Belding

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Belding.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Belding typically cost around 4.The average Belding homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,521 with the federal tax credit, or $25,055 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Belding homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Belding homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Belding

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-16,267
3 years$-13,760
5 years$-11,252
7 years$-8,745
9 years$-6,238
11 years$-3,730
13 years$-1,223
15 years$1,284
17 years$3,792
19 years$6,299
21 years$8,807
23 years$11,314
25 years$13,821

Top Solar Installers in Belding

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Belding

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belding

While the average cost of a solar system in Belding is $17,521, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Belding.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Belding, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Belding homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Belding, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$15,84713.2 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$21,58412.9 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$27,54812.7 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$33,73912.4 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$40,15812.2 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$46,80511.9 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$53,67911.7 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$60,78011.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Belding, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.

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 Belding, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Belding 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Belding?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 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.