Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berrien, MI (2024 Update)
- Berrien Solar Installation Cost: $16,836
- 25-Year Savings: $16,386
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berrien
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Berrien.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Berrien is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Berrien 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.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Berrien depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Berrien can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Berrien for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Berrien
| 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 Berrien
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Berrien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berrien
The cost of installing a solar system in Berrien can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Berrien average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option 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.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Berrien homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Berrien is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,664 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,674 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $18,910 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $23,375 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,066 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $32,985 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $38,131 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $43,505 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Berrien, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Berrien, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Berrien?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Berrien?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Berrien have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.