Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Haven, MI (2023 Update)
- Grand Haven Solar Installation Cost: $11,664
- 25-Year Savings: $22,173
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Haven
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Grand Haven.
The average cost of a solar system in Grand Haven is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Grand Haven is around 5.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,664 for a solar installation, or $16,680 before the 30% 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 actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Grand Haven for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Grand Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,311 |
| 3 years | $-7,604 |
| 5 years | $-4,897 |
| 7 years | $-2,190 |
| 9 years | $517 |
| 11 years | $3,224 |
| 13 years | $5,931 |
| 15 years | $8,638 |
| 17 years | $11,345 |
| 19 years | $14,052 |
| 21 years | $16,759 |
| 23 years | $19,466 |
| 25 years | $22,173 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Haven
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Grand Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Haven
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Grand Haven: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Grand Haven, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Grand Haven homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $21,962 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,598 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,390 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,340 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,448 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,713 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $70,135 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,715 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Grand Haven, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Grand Haven, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Haven?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside 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 your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,141.21 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.