Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norton Shores, MI (2025 Update)

  • Norton Shores Solar Installation Cost: $16,349
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,349
  • Payback Period: 11.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norton Shores

Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Norton Shores.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Norton Shores it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Norton Shores is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,349 for a solar installation, or $23,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Norton Shores based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many 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 top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Norton Shores

YearReturn 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 Norton Shores

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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See all of the solar companies in Norton Shores

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norton Shores

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Norton Shores: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Norton Shores, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Norton Shores average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Norton Shores to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Norton Shores’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$18,42212.3 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$25,01712.0 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$31,84011.8 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$38,89011.6 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$46,16711.3 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$53,67211.1 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$61,40410.8 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$69,36310.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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EcoWatch's Norton Shores, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norton Shores?

The average cost of solar panels in Norton Shores 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 things 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 Norton Shores?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 get the most savings.

Does Norton Shores have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.