Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kalamazoo, MI (2024 Update)

  • Kalamazoo Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,954
  • Payback Period: 13.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 4 per watt.The average Kalamazoo homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,318 with the federal tax credit, or $24,765 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Kalamazoo based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kalamazoo find investing in solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kalamazoo that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Kalamazoo

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,065
3 years $-13,557
5 years $-11,050
7 years $-8,542
9 years $-6,035
11 years $-3,528
13 years $-1,020
15 years $1,487
17 years $3,995
19 years $6,502
21 years $9,009
23 years $11,517
25 years $14,024

Top Solar Installers in Kalamazoo

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

The cost of installing a solar system in Kalamazoo can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Kalamazoo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kalamazoo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 $4.22 $17,734 $14,700 13.7 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $20,054 13.4 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $25,636 13.1 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $31,446 12.9 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $37,482 12.6 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $43,747 12.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $50,238 12.1 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $56,957 11.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kalamazoo?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Does Kalamazoo have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 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.

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