Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kimball, MI (2023 Update)
- Kimball Solar Installation Cost: $11,704
- 25-Year Savings: $13,416
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kimball
We break down average solar pricing in Kimball.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kimball it's 2.81 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Kimball, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,704, or $16,737 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Kimball homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Kimball for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kimball
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,699 |
| 3 years | $-8,689 |
| 5 years | $-6,680 |
| 7 years | $-4,670 |
| 9 years | $-2,661 |
| 11 years | $-651 |
| 13 years | $1,359 |
| 15 years | $3,368 |
| 17 years | $5,378 |
| 19 years | $7,387 |
| 21 years | $9,397 |
| 23 years | $11,407 |
| 25 years | $13,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Kimball
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Kimball
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kimball
While the average cost of a solar system in Kimball is $11,704, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kimball average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kimball to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Kimball, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $13,040 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,702 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $22,520 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $27,496 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $32,630 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $37,921 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $43,369 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $48,975 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Kimball, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kimball?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kimball?
You can't get solar panels for free in Kimball. 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?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $843.81 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.