Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Salle, MI (2024 Update)

  • La Salle Solar Installation Cost: $17,071
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,089
  • Payback Period: 14.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Salle

We go over average solar pricing in La Salle.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in La Salle typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in La Salle, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,071, or $24,412 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in La Salle find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in La Salle

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,817
3 years$-13,310
5 years$-10,802
7 years$-8,295
9 years$-5,788
11 years$-3,280
13 years$-773
15 years$1,735
17 years$4,242
19 years$6,749
21 years$9,257
23 years$11,764
25 years$14,272

Top Solar Installers in La Salle

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

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:

Advertisement

See all of the solar companies in La Salle

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Salle

The cost of installing a solar system in La Salle can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in La Salle, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. La Salle’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$11,13815.4 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$15,30515.1 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$19,70014.8 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$24,32214.5 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$29,17114.2 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$34,24813.9 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$39,55213.6 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$45,08313.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Advertisement

EcoWatch's La Salle, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Salle?

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.

Are solar panels free in La Salle?

You can’t get solar panels for free in La Salle. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in La Salle?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in La Salle?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.