Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ionia, MI (2023 Update)
- Ionia Solar Installation Cost: $12,127
- 25-Year Savings: $21,562
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ionia
We go over average solar pricing in Ionia.
In Ionia, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Because 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 $12,136 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Ionia homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Ionia, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ionia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,873 |
| 3 years | $-8,365 |
| 5 years | $-5,858 |
| 7 years | $-3,351 |
| 9 years | $-843 |
| 11 years | $1,664 |
| 13 years | $4,171 |
| 15 years | $6,679 |
| 17 years | $9,186 |
| 19 years | $11,694 |
| 21 years | $14,201 |
| 23 years | $16,708 |
| 25 years | $19,216 |
Top Solar Installers in Ionia
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
For many Ionia homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ionia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ionia, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Ionia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $20,512 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,665 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,974 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,441 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,066 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,847 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,786 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,883 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Ionia 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 stuff 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 Ionia?
You can't get solar panels for free in Ionia. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.