Solar Panel Cost Guide in Berrien, MI (2023 Update)
- Berrien Solar Installation Cost: $11,645
- 25-Year Savings: $16,394
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Berrien
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Berrien.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Berrien, the average cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.9-kW system would cost about $11,645 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Berrien find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Berrien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,523 |
| 3 years | $-8,280 |
| 5 years | $-6,037 |
| 7 years | $-3,794 |
| 9 years | $-1,551 |
| 11 years | $692 |
| 13 years | $2,935 |
| 15 years | $5,178 |
| 17 years | $7,422 |
| 19 years | $9,665 |
| 21 years | $11,908 |
| 23 years | $14,151 |
| 25 years | $16,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Berrien
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Berrien, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Berrien, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Berrien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Berrien
Although the average cost of a solar system in Berrien is $11,645, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,810. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Berrien provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Berrien's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $16,124 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,814 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $27,660 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $33,665 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $39,826 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $46,145 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $52,621 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $59,255 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Berrien, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Berrien, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Berrien?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Berrien?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.