Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Joseph, MI (2024 Update)
- St. Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $16,836
- 25-Year Savings: $16,715
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Joseph
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in St. Joseph.
In St. Joseph, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average St. Joseph homeowner needs a 5.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,836 with the federal tax credit, or $24,075 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in St. Joseph depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in St. Joseph, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Joseph
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,611 |
| 3 years | $-13,163 |
| 5 years | $-10,714 |
| 7 years | $-8,265 |
| 9 years | $-5,816 |
| 11 years | $-3,367 |
| 13 years | $-918 |
| 15 years | $1,531 |
| 17 years | $3,979 |
| 19 years | $6,428 |
| 21 years | $8,877 |
| 23 years | $11,326 |
| 25 years | $13,775 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Joseph
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in St. Joseph, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 St. Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Joseph
Even though the average cost of a solar system in St. Joseph is $16,836, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Joseph, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout St. Joseph, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $10,997 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $15,118 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,466 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $24,041 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,843 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $33,873 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $39,131 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,615 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 St. Joseph, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Joseph?
The average cost of solar panels in St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph?
A solar panel system isn’t free in St. Joseph, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in St. Joseph?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in St. Joseph?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.