Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kentwood, MI (2023 Update)
- Kentwood Solar Installation Cost: $12,147
- 25-Year Savings: $23,157
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kentwood
We break down average solar pricing in Kentwood.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kentwood it's 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kentwood is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,156 for a solar installation, or $17,383 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Kentwood homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Kentwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kentwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,030 |
| 3 years | $-11,794 |
| 5 years | $-11,559 |
| 7 years | $-11,324 |
| 9 years | $-11,088 |
| 11 years | $-10,853 |
| 13 years | $-10,617 |
| 15 years | $-10,382 |
| 17 years | $-10,147 |
| 19 years | $-9,911 |
| 21 years | $-9,676 |
| 23 years | $-9,441 |
| 25 years | $-9,205 |
Top Solar Installers in Kentwood
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Kentwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kentwood
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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kentwood, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Kentwood provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kentwood is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that provides 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 | $22,027 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,683 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,498 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,469 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,598 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,885 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $70,328 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,929 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Kentwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading through 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 the company going out of business.
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 Kentwood, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kentwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Kentwood is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kentwood?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kentwood. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kentwood is currently $183,177, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,510 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kentwood is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.