Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Muskegon, MI (2023 Update)
- North Muskegon Solar Installation Cost: $11,310
- 25-Year Savings: $23,994
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Muskegon
We go over average solar pricing in North Muskegon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Muskegon it's 2.81 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in North Muskegon, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,310, or $16,173 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Muskegon see about $23,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in North Muskegon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Muskegon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,898 |
| 3 years | $-7,074 |
| 5 years | $-4,249 |
| 7 years | $-1,425 |
| 9 years | $1,399 |
| 11 years | $4,224 |
| 13 years | $7,048 |
| 15 years | $9,872 |
| 17 years | $12,697 |
| 19 years | $15,521 |
| 21 years | $18,345 |
| 23 years | $21,170 |
| 25 years | $23,994 |
Top Solar Installers in North Muskegon
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 North Muskegon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Muskegon
Though the average cost of a solar system in North Muskegon is $11,310, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 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 North Muskegon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for North Muskegon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. North Muskegon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $24,549 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $33,047 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $41,702 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $50,514 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $59,484 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $68,612 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $77,896 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $87,338 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in North Muskegon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 North Muskegon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Muskegon?
The average cost of solar panels in North Muskegon 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Muskegon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Muskegon?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 North Muskegon?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.