Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Haven, MI (2023 Update)
- South Haven Solar Installation Cost: $11,552
- 25-Year Savings: $21,870
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Haven
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in South Haven.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Haven, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.9-kW system would cost about $11,546 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average South Haven homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in South Haven, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,299 |
| 3 years | $-7,791 |
| 5 years | $-5,284 |
| 7 years | $-2,777 |
| 9 years | $-269 |
| 11 years | $2,238 |
| 13 years | $4,746 |
| 15 years | $7,253 |
| 17 years | $9,760 |
| 19 years | $12,268 |
| 21 years | $14,775 |
| 23 years | $17,283 |
| 25 years | $19,790 |
Top Solar Installers in South Haven
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in South Haven:
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 South Haven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Haven
For many South Haven homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in South Haven, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in South Haven, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 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 get 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Haven average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Haven provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for South Haven homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in South Haven is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,870 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,475 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,237 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,156 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,233 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,467 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,859 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,407 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 South Haven, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Haven?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 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 above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in South Haven, 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.