Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Rapids, MI (2023 Update)
- Grand Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $12,147
- 25-Year Savings: $23,043
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Rapids
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Grand Rapids.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Grand Rapids, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average Grand Rapids 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 numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Grand Rapids homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Grand Rapids for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Grand Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,894 |
| 3 years | $-8,386 |
| 5 years | $-5,879 |
| 7 years | $-3,371 |
| 9 years | $-864 |
| 11 years | $1,643 |
| 13 years | $4,151 |
| 15 years | $6,658 |
| 17 years | $9,166 |
| 19 years | $11,673 |
| 21 years | $14,180 |
| 23 years | $16,688 |
| 25 years | $19,195 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Rapids
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Rapids
For many Grand Rapids homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Grand Rapids, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Grand Rapids, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Grand Rapids 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 solar installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $21,915 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,535 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,313 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,247 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,339 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,588 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,995 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,559 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Rapids, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Grand Rapids 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Grand Rapids?
You can't get solar panels for free in Grand Rapids. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Grand Rapids is currently $165,371, which means you can expect a value of about $6,780 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Grand Rapids is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.