Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norton Shores, MI (2024 Update)
- Norton Shores Solar Installation Cost: $16,349
- 25-Year Savings: $23,349
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norton Shores
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Norton Shores.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Norton Shores, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Norton Shores, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,349, or $23,379 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Norton Shores find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Norton Shores
| 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 Norton Shores
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. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Norton Shores, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Norton Shores
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norton Shores
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Norton Shores: 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Norton Shores.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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
Most solar installers in Norton Shores provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Norton Shores 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 consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Norton Shores is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $18,422 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $25,017 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $31,840 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $38,890 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $46,167 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $53,672 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $61,404 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $69,363 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Norton Shores, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Norton Shores?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Norton Shores?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Norton Shores?
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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Norton Shores?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.