Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudsonville, MI (Jan 2023)
- Hudsonville Solar Installation Cost: $11,664
- 25-Year Savings: $22,840
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudsonville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Hudsonville.
In Hudsonville, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Hudsonville is around 5.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,664 for a solar installation, or $8,631 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Hudsonville based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Hudsonville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hudsonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,284 |
| 3 years | $-7,524 |
| 5 years | $-4,763 |
| 7 years | $-2,003 |
| 9 years | $757 |
| 11 years | $3,518 |
| 13 years | $6,278 |
| 15 years | $9,038 |
| 17 years | $11,799 |
| 19 years | $14,559 |
| 21 years | $17,319 |
| 23 years | $20,080 |
| 25 years | $22,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudsonville
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Hudsonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudsonville
There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hudsonville, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hudsonville homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hudsonville is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $22,637 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $30,497 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $38,514 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $46,689 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $55,022 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $63,512 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $72,159 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $80,963 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
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 Hudsonville, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hudsonville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hudsonville?
Solar panels aren't free in Hudsonville, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Hudsonville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Hudsonville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.