Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Rapids, MI (2025 Update)
- Grand Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $23,043
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Rapids
See 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 a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Grand Rapids homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,551 with the federal tax credit, or $25,098 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Grand Rapids homeowner can save around $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 reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in 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 Grand Rapids
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Grand Rapids, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar company in Grand Rapids, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 solar panels 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Grand Rapids.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Grand Rapids offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Grand Rapids, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $16,455 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,395 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,563 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,957 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,579 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,428 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,505 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,809 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Grand Rapids, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
EcoWatch's Grand Rapids, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Rapids?
The average cost of solar panels in Grand Rapids 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Grand Rapids?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Grand Rapids. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Grand Rapids, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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.