Solar Panel Cost Guide in Van Buren, MI (2025 Update)
- Van Buren Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Van Buren
We break down average solar pricing in Van Buren.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Van Buren is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Van Buren, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,379, or $24,852 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Van Buren depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Van Buren find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Van Buren for a personalized quote.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Van Buren
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Van Buren
The cost of installing a solar system in Van Buren can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Van Buren.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Van Buren, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Van Buren, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 go with the company that offers 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 real cost will depend on certain factors like the model 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?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Van Buren. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.