Solar Panel Cost Guide in Byron Center, MI (Mar 2023)
- Byron Center Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $22,348
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Byron Center
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Byron Center.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Byron Center, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average Byron Center homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,156 with the federal tax credit, or $17,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Byron Center homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Byron Center see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Byron Center, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Byron Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,776 |
| 3 years | $-8,016 |
| 5 years | $-5,255 |
| 7 years | $-2,495 |
| 9 years | $266 |
| 11 years | $3,026 |
| 13 years | $5,786 |
| 15 years | $8,547 |
| 17 years | $11,307 |
| 19 years | $14,067 |
| 21 years | $16,828 |
| 23 years | $19,588 |
| 25 years | $22,348 |
Top Solar Installers in Byron Center
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Byron Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Byron Center
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Byron Center average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Byron Center 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Byron Center, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $21,249 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,647 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,202 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,915 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,785 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,812 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,997 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $76,339 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Byron Center, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Byron Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Byron Center is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind 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 without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Byron Center?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.