Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jenison, MI (2023 Update)
- Jenison Solar Installation Cost: $11,664
- 25-Year Savings: $22,840
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jenison
We go over average solar pricing in Jenison.
The average cost of a solar system in Jenison is 2.81 per watt. The average Jenison homeowner needs a 5.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,664 with the federal tax credit, or $16,680 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jenison
| 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 Jenison
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Jenison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jenison
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Jenison is $11,664, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jenison to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Jenison's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $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
The solar company you choose 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 a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Jenison, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jenison?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jenison?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Jenison?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.