Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tallmadge, MI (2023 Update)
- Tallmadge Solar Installation Cost: $11,665
- 25-Year Savings: $22,954
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tallmadge
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Tallmadge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tallmadge it's 2.81 per watt. Because a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Tallmadge, the average price of going solar will be about $11,664 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Tallmadge homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tallmadge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,549 |
| 3 years | $-11,318 |
| 5 years | $-11,088 |
| 7 years | $-10,857 |
| 9 years | $-10,626 |
| 11 years | $-10,395 |
| 13 years | $-10,164 |
| 15 years | $-9,934 |
| 17 years | $-9,703 |
| 19 years | $-9,472 |
| 21 years | $-9,241 |
| 23 years | $-9,010 |
| 25 years | $-8,780 |
Top Solar Installers in Tallmadge
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Tallmadge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tallmadge
The cost of installing a solar system in Tallmadge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tallmadge, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Tallmadge provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Tallmadge, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Tallmadge have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $22,752 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $30,651 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $38,707 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $46,921 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $55,292 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $63,820 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $72,505 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $81,348 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company'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 if the company goes out of business.
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 Tallmadge, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tallmadge?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tallmadge?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.