Solar Panel Cost Guide in Muskegon Heights, MI (2023 Update)
- Muskegon Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,310
- 25-Year Savings: $23,194
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Muskegon Heights
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Muskegon Heights.
The average cost of a solar system in Muskegon Heights is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Muskegon Heights is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,310 for a solar installation, or $16,173 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Muskegon Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,930 |
| 3 years | $-7,170 |
| 5 years | $-4,409 |
| 7 years | $-1,649 |
| 9 years | $1,111 |
| 11 years | $3,872 |
| 13 years | $6,632 |
| 15 years | $9,392 |
| 17 years | $12,153 |
| 19 years | $14,913 |
| 21 years | $17,674 |
| 23 years | $20,434 |
| 25 years | $23,194 |
Top Solar Installers in Muskegon Heights
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Muskegon Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Muskegon Heights
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Muskegon Heights, one of the most crucial 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Muskegon Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $23,715 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $31,934 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $40,311 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $48,846 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $57,538 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $66,387 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $75,393 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $84,557 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Muskegon Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Muskegon Heights?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Muskegon Heights?
You can't get solar panels for free in Muskegon Heights. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $1,199.63 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.