Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kentwood, MI (2024 Update)
- Kentwood Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $23,157
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kentwood
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Kentwood.
The average cost of solar panels in Kentwood is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kentwood is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,551 for a solar installation, or $25,098 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Kentwood based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Kentwood can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Kentwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kentwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,297 |
| 3 years | $-13,790 |
| 5 years | $-11,282 |
| 7 years | $-8,775 |
| 9 years | $-6,268 |
| 11 years | $-3,760 |
| 13 years | $-1,253 |
| 15 years | $1,255 |
| 17 years | $3,762 |
| 19 years | $6,269 |
| 21 years | $8,777 |
| 23 years | $11,284 |
| 25 years | $13,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Kentwood
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
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 in Kentwood:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Kentwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kentwood
For many Kentwood homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy 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 various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Kentwood, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Kentwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kentwood know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $16,567 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,543 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,748 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,179 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,838 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,725 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,838 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $63,179 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Kentwood, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kentwood?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kentwood?
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 electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.