Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Grand Rapids, MI (2024 Update)
- East Grand Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $23,157
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Grand Rapids
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in East Grand Rapids.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Grand Rapids, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in East Grand Rapids 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 how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average East Grand Rapids homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in East Grand Rapids for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in East Grand Rapids
| 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 East Grand Rapids
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 East Grand Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Grand Rapids
For many East Grand Rapids homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Grand Rapids, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like East Grand Rapids, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many East Grand Rapids homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in East Grand Rapids is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $16,567 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,543 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,748 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,179 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,838 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,725 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,838 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $63,179 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in East Grand Rapids, 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:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 East Grand Rapids, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Grand Rapids?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.