Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Haven, MI (2025 Update)
- South Haven Solar Installation Cost: $16,691
- 25-Year Savings: $21,870
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Haven
We go over average solar pricing in South Haven.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in South Haven generally cost about 4.Because a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in South Haven, the average price of going solar will be about $16,691 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average South Haven homeowners see about $22,000 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 estimate.
Solar savings over time in South Haven
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,438 |
3 years | $-12,930 |
5 years | $-10,423 |
7 years | $-7,915 |
9 years | $-5,408 |
11 years | $-2,901 |
13 years | $-393 |
15 years | $2,114 |
17 years | $4,621 |
19 years | $7,129 |
21 years | $9,636 |
23 years | $12,144 |
25 years | $14,651 |
Top Solar Installers in South Haven
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in South Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Haven
Though the average cost of a solar system in South Haven is $16,691, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in South Haven.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Haven, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in South Haven, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. South Haven’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better 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 names.
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 | $16,410 | 13.0 years |
8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,335 | 12.7 years |
10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,487 | 12.5 years |
12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,866 | 12.2 years |
14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,473 | 12.0 years |
16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $48,307 | 11.7 years |
18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $55,369 | 11.5 years |
20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,657 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in South Haven, 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
EcoWatch's South Haven, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Haven?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Haven?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.