Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage, MI (2023 Update)
- Portage Solar Installation Cost: $11,979
- 25-Year Savings: $19,763
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Portage.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Portage, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Portage, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,979, or $17,130 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Portage based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Portage find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Portage that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,709 |
| 3 years | $-8,170 |
| 5 years | $-5,631 |
| 7 years | $-3,091 |
| 9 years | $-552 |
| 11 years | $1,987 |
| 13 years | $4,527 |
| 15 years | $7,066 |
| 17 years | $9,605 |
| 19 years | $12,145 |
| 21 years | $14,684 |
| 23 years | $17,223 |
| 25 years | $19,763 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Portage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage
Though the average cost of a solar system in Portage is $11,979, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portage, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Portage provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much it costs. Portage's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 promotion 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $18,979 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,621 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $32,419 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $39,375 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $46,488 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $53,759 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $61,187 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $68,773 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Portage, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portage?
The average cost of solar panels in Portage 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Portage, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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.