Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Rapids, MN (2024 Update)
- Grand Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $21,330
- 25-Year Savings: $20,073
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Rapids
We break down average solar pricing in Grand Rapids.
The average cost of a solar system in Grand Rapids is 4 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Grand Rapids, the average price of going solar will be about $21,330 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Grand Rapids find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Grand Rapids for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Grand Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,113 |
| 3 years | $-17,679 |
| 5 years | $-15,246 |
| 7 years | $-12,812 |
| 9 years | $-10,378 |
| 11 years | $-7,944 |
| 13 years | $-5,510 |
| 15 years | $-3,076 |
| 17 years | $-643 |
| 19 years | $1,791 |
| 21 years | $4,225 |
| 23 years | $6,659 |
| 25 years | $9,093 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Rapids
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Grand Rapids, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Grand Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Rapids
The cost of installing a solar system in Grand Rapids can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Grand Rapids, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,030 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Grand Rapids, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $4.19 | $17,603 | $10,253 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $14,122 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $18,217 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $22,537 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $27,083 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $31,855 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $36,852 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $42,076 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Grand Rapids, 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Grand Rapids, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Rapids?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Grand Rapids?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Grand Rapids. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $928.54 per year.
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 larger 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.