Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton Harbor, MI (2023 Update)
- Benton Harbor Solar Installation Cost: $11,652
- 25-Year Savings: $16,715
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton Harbor
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Benton Harbor.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Benton Harbor, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Benton Harbor, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,645, or $16,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Benton Harbor homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Benton Harbor that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Benton Harbor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,558 |
| 3 years | $-11,369 |
| 5 years | $-11,180 |
| 7 years | $-10,991 |
| 9 years | $-10,801 |
| 11 years | $-10,612 |
| 13 years | $-10,423 |
| 15 years | $-10,234 |
| 17 years | $-10,045 |
| 19 years | $-9,856 |
| 21 years | $-9,667 |
| 23 years | $-9,478 |
| 25 years | $-9,288 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton Harbor
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Benton Harbor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton Harbor
For many Benton Harbor homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Benton Harbor, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $2,810. The brand and type 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 come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Benton Harbor offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Benton Harbor's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $16,457 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $22,258 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $28,216 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $34,331 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $40,603 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $47,033 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $53,621 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $60,365 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Benton Harbor, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton Harbor?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Benton Harbor?
A solar panel system isn't free in Benton Harbor, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Benton Harbor is currently $141,346, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,795 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Benton Harbor is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.