Solar Panel Cost Guide in LaGrange, MI (2024 Update)
- LaGrange Solar Installation Cost: $17,042
- 25-Year Savings: $19,235
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in LaGrange
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in LaGrange.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in LaGrange it’s 4 per watt.The average LaGrange homeowner needs a 6.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,042 with the federal tax credit, or $24,370 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in LaGrange, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in LaGrange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,802 |
| 3 years | $-13,324 |
| 5 years | $-10,846 |
| 7 years | $-8,368 |
| 9 years | $-5,890 |
| 11 years | $-3,412 |
| 13 years | $-934 |
| 15 years | $1,544 |
| 17 years | $4,023 |
| 19 years | $6,501 |
| 21 years | $8,979 |
| 23 years | $11,457 |
| 25 years | $13,935 |
Top Solar Installers in LaGrange
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in LaGrange, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 LaGrange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in LaGrange
While the average cost of a solar system in LaGrange is $17,042, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in LaGrange to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to 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 can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in LaGrange have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $13,314 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,207 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,327 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $28,674 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $34,249 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,051 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $46,081 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $52,338 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in LaGrange, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 LaGrange, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in LaGrange?
This is a hard 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in LaGrange?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in LaGrange?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in LaGrange?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.