Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kentwood, MI (Mar 2023)
- Kentwood Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $23,148
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kentwood
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar 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 Kentwood homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,156 with the federal tax credit, or $17,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kentwood find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kentwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,744 |
| 3 years | $-7,920 |
| 5 years | $-5,095 |
| 7 years | $-2,271 |
| 9 years | $553 |
| 11 years | $3,378 |
| 13 years | $6,202 |
| 15 years | $9,026 |
| 17 years | $11,851 |
| 19 years | $14,675 |
| 21 years | $17,500 |
| 23 years | $20,324 |
| 25 years | $23,148 |
Top Solar Installers in Kentwood
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels 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
For many Kentwood homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kentwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 bump up your total well above the Kentwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kentwood to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Kentwood, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 stuff such as the model 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 install 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Kentwood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.