Solar Panel Cost Guide in Van Buren, MI (2024 Update)
- Van Buren Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Van Buren
We break down average solar pricing in Van Buren.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Van Buren typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Van Buren
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,202 |
| 5 years | $-10,417 |
| 7 years | $-7,633 |
| 9 years | $-4,848 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $721 |
| 15 years | $3,506 |
| 17 years | $6,291 |
| 19 years | $9,075 |
| 21 years | $11,860 |
| 23 years | $14,645 |
| 25 years | $17,429 |
Top Solar Installers in Van Buren
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Van Buren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Van Buren
Although the average cost of a solar system in Van Buren is $17,379, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,060. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Van Buren average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Van Buren have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $6,913 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,672 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,658 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,872 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,313 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,981 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,877 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,000 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Van Buren, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Van Buren?
The average cost of solar panels in Van Buren is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Van Buren?
Solar panels aren’t free in Van Buren, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Van Buren?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.