Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparta, MI (2024 Update)
- Sparta Solar Installation Cost: $17,551
- 25-Year Savings: $22,357
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparta
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sparta.
In Sparta, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Sparta homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,551 with the federal tax credit, or $25,098 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sparta can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sparta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,297 |
| 3 years | $-13,790 |
| 5 years | $-11,282 |
| 7 years | $-8,775 |
| 9 years | $-6,268 |
| 11 years | $-3,760 |
| 13 years | $-1,253 |
| 15 years | $1,255 |
| 17 years | $3,762 |
| 19 years | $6,269 |
| 21 years | $8,777 |
| 23 years | $11,284 |
| 25 years | $13,792 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparta
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another benefit of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sparta, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sparta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparta
For many Sparta homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sparta, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Sparta.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sparta, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Sparta’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sparta are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $15,789 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,507 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,452 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,625 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,025 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,652 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,507 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,589 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though 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 deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Sparta, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sparta?
The average cost of solar panels in Sparta is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sparta?
Solar panels aren’t free in Sparta, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,117.45 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.