Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Joseph, MI (2023 Update)
- St. Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $11,652
- 25-Year Savings: $16,715
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Joseph
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in St. Joseph.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in St. Joseph generally cost around 2.81. Because a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in St. Joseph, the average price of going solar will be about $11,645 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in St. Joseph find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive 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 | $-10,428 |
| 3 years | $-7,979 |
| 5 years | $-5,530 |
| 7 years | $-3,081 |
| 9 years | $-633 |
| 11 years | $1,816 |
| 13 years | $4,265 |
| 15 years | $6,714 |
| 17 years | $9,163 |
| 19 years | $11,612 |
| 21 years | $14,061 |
| 23 years | $16,510 |
| 25 years | $18,958 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Joseph
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in St. Joseph, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many St. Joseph homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St. Joseph, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, 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. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in St. Joseph, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. St. Joseph's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $16,457 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $22,258 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $28,216 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $34,331 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $40,603 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $47,033 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $53,621 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $60,365 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in 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 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 $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in St. Joseph?
You can't get solar panels for free in St. Joseph. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in St. Joseph is currently $141,346, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,795 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in St. Joseph is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.