Solar Panel Cost Guide in Muskegon Heights, MI (2023 Update)
- Muskegon Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,315
- 25-Year Savings: $23,189
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Muskegon Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is 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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. 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 electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Muskegon Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Muskegon Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,061 |
| 3 years | $-7,554 |
| 5 years | $-5,047 |
| 7 years | $-2,539 |
| 9 years | $-32 |
| 11 years | $2,476 |
| 13 years | $4,983 |
| 15 years | $7,490 |
| 17 years | $9,998 |
| 19 years | $12,505 |
| 21 years | $15,012 |
| 23 years | $17,520 |
| 25 years | $20,027 |
Top Solar Installers in Muskegon Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company 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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Muskegon Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,810. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Muskegon Heights, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on 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 get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Muskegon Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are a large number of companies available in Muskegon Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions 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.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Muskegon Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Muskegon Heights is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Muskegon Heights?
A solar panel system isn't free in Muskegon Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Muskegon Heights?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.