Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zeeland, MI (2023 Update)
- Zeeland Solar Installation Cost: $11,665
- 25-Year Savings: $20,077
- Payback Period: 9.2 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 Zeeland
We break down average solar pricing in Zeeland.
In Zeeland, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Because a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Zeeland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,664 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Zeeland find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Zeeland for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Zeeland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,411 |
| 3 years | $-7,903 |
| 5 years | $-5,396 |
| 7 years | $-2,889 |
| 9 years | $-381 |
| 11 years | $2,126 |
| 13 years | $4,633 |
| 15 years | $7,141 |
| 17 years | $9,648 |
| 19 years | $12,156 |
| 21 years | $14,663 |
| 23 years | $17,170 |
| 25 years | $19,678 |
Top Solar Installers in Zeeland
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
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:
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 Zeeland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zeeland
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Zeeland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Zeeland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $19,842 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $26,770 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $33,856 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $41,099 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $48,500 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $56,058 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $63,773 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $71,646 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Zeeland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Zeeland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Zeeland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Zeeland?
Solar panels aren't free in Zeeland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Zeeland?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.