Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Haven, MI (2023 Update)
- South Haven Solar Installation Cost: $11,546
- 25-Year Savings: $21,876
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Haven
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels 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 solar panels 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Haven homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in South Haven can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Haven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,209 |
| 3 years | $-7,536 |
| 5 years | $-4,862 |
| 7 years | $-2,188 |
| 9 years | $486 |
| 11 years | $3,160 |
| 13 years | $5,833 |
| 15 years | $8,507 |
| 17 years | $11,181 |
| 19 years | $13,855 |
| 21 years | $16,528 |
| 23 years | $19,202 |
| 25 years | $21,876 |
Top Solar Installers in South Haven
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in South Haven is $11,546, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,810. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in South Haven offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. While solar loans make adopting solar energy 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. South Haven's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
The solar panel company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Haven?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want 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 attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,138.13 per year.
How long do solar panels last in South Haven?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.