Solar Panel Cost Guide in Byron Center, MI (2024 Update)
- Byron Center Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $22,357
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Byron Center
Let’s have a look at the average cost of 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 a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Byron Center is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,551 for a solar installation, or $25,098 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Byron Center can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Byron Center that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Byron Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,297 |
| 3 years | $-13,790 |
| 5 years | $-11,282 |
| 7 years | $-8,775 |
| 9 years | $-6,268 |
| 11 years | $-3,760 |
| 13 years | $-1,253 |
| 15 years | $1,255 |
| 17 years | $3,762 |
| 19 years | $6,269 |
| 21 years | $8,777 |
| 23 years | $11,284 |
| 25 years | $13,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Byron Center
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 several criteria that can affect your total 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
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,060. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Byron Center homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Byron Center are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,789 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,507 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,452 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,625 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,025 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,652 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,507 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,589 | 11.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Byron Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Byron Center is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Byron Center?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Byron Center?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.