Solar Panel Cost Guide in Muskegon Heights, MI (2025 Update)
- Muskegon Heights Solar Installation Cost: $16,349
- 25-Year Savings: $23,189
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Muskegon Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Muskegon Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Muskegon Heights it’s 4 per watt.The average Muskegon Heights homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,349 with the federal tax credit, or $23,379 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Muskegon Heights find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Muskegon Heights for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Muskegon Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,095 |
| 3 years | $-12,587 |
| 5 years | $-10,080 |
| 7 years | $-7,573 |
| 9 years | $-5,065 |
| 11 years | $-2,558 |
| 13 years | $-50 |
| 15 years | $2,457 |
| 17 years | $4,964 |
| 19 years | $7,472 |
| 21 years | $9,979 |
| 23 years | $12,486 |
| 25 years | $14,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Muskegon Heights
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 major factors that determine your overall cost in Muskegon Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility 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.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Muskegon Heights homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Muskegon Heights is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Muskegon Heights know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $18,255 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $24,794 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,561 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,556 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $45,778 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,227 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $60,903 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $68,807 | 10.7 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 tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's Muskegon Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Muskegon Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Muskegon Heights is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Muskegon Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.