Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage, MI (2024 Update)
- Portage Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
- 25-Year Savings: $19,756
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage
We break down average solar pricing in Portage.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Portage is 4 per watt.Because a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Portage, the average price of going solar will be about $17,318 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Portage homeowner. 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Portage for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Portage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,065 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-11,050 |
| 7 years | $-8,542 |
| 9 years | $-6,035 |
| 11 years | $-3,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,020 |
| 15 years | $1,487 |
| 17 years | $3,995 |
| 19 years | $6,502 |
| 21 years | $9,009 |
| 23 years | $11,517 |
| 25 years | $14,024 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Portage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage
For many Portage homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Portage, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Portage.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Portage have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Portage is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,519 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,481 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,669 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $29,085 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $34,728 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $40,599 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $46,697 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $53,023 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Portage, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Portage?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Portage?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Portage. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Portage is currently $280,325, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,493 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Portage is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Portage?
Even though 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 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.