Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lagrange, MI (Mar 2023)
- Lagrange Solar Installation Cost: $11,802
- 25-Year Savings: $19,227
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lagrange
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Lagrange.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lagrange it's 2.81 per watt. The average Lagrange homeowner needs a 6.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,802 with the federal tax credit, or $16,877 before the 30% 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lagrange find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Lagrange, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lagrange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,561 |
| 3 years | $-8,078 |
| 5 years | $-5,596 |
| 7 years | $-3,114 |
| 9 years | $-631 |
| 11 years | $1,851 |
| 13 years | $4,333 |
| 15 years | $6,816 |
| 17 years | $9,298 |
| 19 years | $11,780 |
| 21 years | $14,263 |
| 23 years | $16,745 |
| 25 years | $19,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Lagrange
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Lagrange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lagrange
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,810. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Lagrange's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lagrange 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $18,774 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,347 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $32,077 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $38,964 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $46,009 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $53,211 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $60,571 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $68,088 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Lagrange, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lagrange?
The average cost of solar panels in Lagrange is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Lagrange, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 install 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.