Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thornapple, MI (2024 Update)
- Thornapple Solar Installation Cost: $17,425
- 25-Year Savings: $22,444
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thornapple
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thornapple.
The average cost of a solar system in Thornapple is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Thornapple is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,425 for a solar installation, or $24,918 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Thornapple homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Thornapple for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Thornapple
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,171 |
| 3 years | $-13,664 |
| 5 years | $-11,156 |
| 7 years | $-8,649 |
| 9 years | $-6,141 |
| 11 years | $-3,634 |
| 13 years | $-1,127 |
| 15 years | $1,381 |
| 17 years | $3,888 |
| 19 years | $6,396 |
| 21 years | $8,903 |
| 23 years | $11,410 |
| 25 years | $13,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Thornapple
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Thornapple
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thornapple
The cost of installing a solar system in Thornapple can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Thornapple have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Thornapple, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $16,032 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,831 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,857 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,111 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,591 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,300 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,235 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,398 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Thornapple, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thornapple?
The average cost of solar panels in Thornapple 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 such as 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 Thornapple?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Thornapple. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Thornapple?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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.