Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparta, MI (2023 Update)
- Sparta Solar Installation Cost: $12,147
- 25-Year Savings: $22,357
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparta
We go over average solar pricing in Sparta.
In Sparta, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sparta, the average price of going solar will be about $12,156 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sparta can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sparta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,032 |
| 3 years | $-11,802 |
| 5 years | $-11,572 |
| 7 years | $-11,342 |
| 9 years | $-11,112 |
| 11 years | $-10,882 |
| 13 years | $-10,652 |
| 15 years | $-10,422 |
| 17 years | $-10,192 |
| 19 years | $-9,962 |
| 21 years | $-9,732 |
| 23 years | $-9,502 |
| 25 years | $-9,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparta
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 adopt solar energy comes down to 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 various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Sparta, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Sparta, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $21,249 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,647 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,202 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,915 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,785 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,812 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,997 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $76,339 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Sparta, 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:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sparta?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sparta?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 it worth going solar in Sparta?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 level 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.