Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, NY (2023 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $9,622
- 25-Year Savings: $5,580
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Lansing.
The average cost of a solar system in Lansing is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Lansing is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,623 for a solar installation, or $13,761 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Lansing based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Lansing find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,796 |
| 3 years | $-7,144 |
| 5 years | $-5,493 |
| 7 years | $-3,841 |
| 9 years | $-2,189 |
| 11 years | $-537 |
| 13 years | $1,115 |
| 15 years | $2,767 |
| 17 years | $4,418 |
| 19 years | $6,070 |
| 21 years | $7,722 |
| 23 years | $9,374 |
| 25 years | $11,026 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Lansing, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Lansing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lansing
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Lansing: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lansing, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Lansing, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Lansing, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lansing have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 help you save 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $6,689 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,249 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $11,974 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $14,865 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $17,920 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $21,141 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $24,527 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $28,079 | 14.2 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lansing, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lansing?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.