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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kalamazoo
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Kalamazoo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kalamazoo it’s 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Kalamazoo homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Kalamazoo for a quote 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
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Kalamazoo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kalamazoo
For many Kalamazoo homeowners, the decision to go solar 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kalamazoo, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Kalamazoo homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kalamazoo is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully 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.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kalamazoo?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 tax rebates and credits 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?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 get 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.