Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kalamazoo, MI (2023 Update)
- Kalamazoo Solar Installation Cost: $11,986
- 25-Year Savings: $20,954
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kalamazoo
We break down average solar pricing in Kalamazoo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kalamazoo, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kalamazoo homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kalamazoo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,876 |
| 3 years | $-11,657 |
| 5 years | $-11,437 |
| 7 years | $-11,218 |
| 9 years | $-10,998 |
| 11 years | $-10,778 |
| 13 years | $-10,559 |
| 15 years | $-10,339 |
| 17 years | $-10,120 |
| 19 years | $-9,900 |
| 21 years | $-9,680 |
| 23 years | $-9,461 |
| 25 years | $-9,241 |
Top Solar Installers in Kalamazoo
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
For many Kalamazoo homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kalamazoo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,810. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Kalamazoo average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Kalamazoo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 choose a company that has 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like 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
What is the average cost of installing 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kalamazoo?
Solar panels aren't free in Kalamazoo, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kalamazoo, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.