Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ionia, MI (2024 Update)
- Ionia Solar Installation Cost: $17,521
- 25-Year Savings: $21,562
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ionia
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ionia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ionia it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Ionia, the average price of going solar will be about $17,521 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ionia homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Ionia can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Ionia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ionia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,267 |
| 3 years | $-13,760 |
| 5 years | $-11,252 |
| 7 years | $-8,745 |
| 9 years | $-6,238 |
| 11 years | $-3,730 |
| 13 years | $-1,223 |
| 15 years | $1,284 |
| 17 years | $3,792 |
| 19 years | $6,299 |
| 21 years | $8,807 |
| 23 years | $11,314 |
| 25 years | $13,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Ionia
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ionia, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ionia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ionia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Ionia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ionia, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ionia, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ionia homeowners, they can also raise 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ionia is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to 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 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,052 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,525 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,224 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,151 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,306 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,687 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,296 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,133 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Ionia, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ionia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra 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 want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Ionia have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.