Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton Harbor, MI (2025 Update)
- Benton Harbor Solar Installation Cost: $16,836
- 25-Year Savings: $16,715
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton Harbor
We break down average solar pricing in Benton Harbor.
In Benton Harbor, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Benton Harbor is around 5.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,836 for a solar installation, or $24,075 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Benton Harbor homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Benton Harbor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,611 |
| 3 years | $-13,163 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-8,265 |
| 9 years | $-5,816 |
| 11 years | $-3,367 |
| 13 years | $-918 |
| 15 years | $1,531 |
| 17 years | $3,979 |
| 19 years | $6,428 |
| 21 years | $8,877 |
| 23 years | $11,326 |
| 25 years | $13,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton Harbor
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 adopt solar energy rests on 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Benton Harbor, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Benton Harbor, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Benton Harbor homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Benton Harbor, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,997 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $15,118 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,466 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $24,041 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,843 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $33,873 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $39,131 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,615 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Benton Harbor, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton Harbor?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Benton Harbor?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Benton Harbor?
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 level 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.