Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedar Springs, MI (2024 Update)
- Cedar Springs 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 Cedar Springs
We break down average solar pricing in Cedar Springs.
The average cost of solar panels in Cedar Springs is 4 per watt.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cedar Springs, the average price of going solar will be about $17,551 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Cedar Springs homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Cedar Springs, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cedar Springs
| 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 Cedar Springs
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Cedar Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedar Springs
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Cedar Springs: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Cedar Springs, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type 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. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cedar Springs, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 numerous companies available in Cedar Springs, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
EcoWatch's Cedar Springs, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedar Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Cedar Springs 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 stuff like 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 think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Cedar Springs?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Cedar Springs?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.