Solar Panel Cost Guide in Napoleon, MI (2023 Update)
- Napoleon Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $22,485
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Napoleon
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Napoleon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Napoleon generally cost about 2.81. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,038 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Napoleon homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Napoleon find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Napoleon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,657 |
| 3 years | $-7,895 |
| 5 years | $-5,133 |
| 7 years | $-2,371 |
| 9 years | $390 |
| 11 years | $3,152 |
| 13 years | $5,914 |
| 15 years | $8,676 |
| 17 years | $11,438 |
| 19 years | $14,200 |
| 21 years | $16,962 |
| 23 years | $19,724 |
| 25 years | $22,485 |
Top Solar Installers in Napoleon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Napoleon, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Napoleon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Napoleon
Although the average cost of a solar system in Napoleon is $12,038, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Napoleon, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Napoleon, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Napoleon homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Napoleon, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $21,553 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,052 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,708 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,522 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,493 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $60,621 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $68,907 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,350 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Napoleon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Napoleon?
The average cost of solar panels in Napoleon 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Napoleon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Napoleon, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.