Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kalamazoo, MI (2023 Update)
- Kalamazoo Solar Installation Cost: $11,979
- 25-Year Savings: $20,961
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kalamazoo
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Kalamazoo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kalamazoo, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kalamazoo is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,979 for a solar installation, or $17,130 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kalamazoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,661 |
| 3 years | $-8,026 |
| 5 years | $-5,391 |
| 7 years | $-2,756 |
| 9 years | $-120 |
| 11 years | $2,515 |
| 13 years | $5,150 |
| 15 years | $7,785 |
| 17 years | $10,421 |
| 19 years | $13,056 |
| 21 years | $15,691 |
| 23 years | $18,326 |
| 25 years | $20,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Kalamazoo
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Kalamazoo:
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 Kalamazoo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kalamazoo
There are a number of factors that can influence your total 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,810 per kilowatt in Kalamazoo. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kalamazoo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Kalamazoo have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Kalamazoo is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $20,160 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,194 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,386 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $41,736 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $49,242 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $56,907 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $64,728 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $72,707 | 8.2 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Kalamazoo, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kalamazoo?
The average cost of solar panels in Kalamazoo 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Kalamazoo?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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.