Solar Panel Cost Guide in Zeeland, MI (2024 Update)
- Zeeland Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
- 25-Year Savings: $20,077
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Zeeland
We break down average solar pricing in Zeeland.
The average cost of solar panels in Zeeland is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Zeeland, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,853, or $24,100 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Zeeland depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Zeeland homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Zeeland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,600 |
| 3 years | $-13,092 |
| 5 years | $-10,585 |
| 7 years | $-8,078 |
| 9 years | $-5,570 |
| 11 years | $-3,063 |
| 13 years | $-555 |
| 15 years | $1,952 |
| 17 years | $4,459 |
| 19 years | $6,967 |
| 21 years | $9,474 |
| 23 years | $11,982 |
| 25 years | $14,489 |
Top Solar Installers in Zeeland
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Zeeland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Zeeland
While the average cost of a solar system in Zeeland is $16,853, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Zeeland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Zeeland is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Zeeland know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $14,382 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $19,630 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,106 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $30,809 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $36,740 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $42,898 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $49,283 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $55,896 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Zeeland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Zeeland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Zeeland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Zeeland is currently $339,868, which means you can expect a value of about $13,935 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Zeeland is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.