Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, NY (2023 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $9,623
- 25-Year Savings: $5,579
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lansing.
In Lansing, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Lansing homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,623 with the federal tax credit, or $13,761 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lansing homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Lansing homeowners see about $12,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,015 |
| 3 years | $-7,799 |
| 5 years | $-6,582 |
| 7 years | $-5,366 |
| 9 years | $-4,150 |
| 11 years | $-2,934 |
| 13 years | $-1,718 |
| 15 years | $-502 |
| 17 years | $714 |
| 19 years | $1,931 |
| 21 years | $3,147 |
| 23 years | $4,363 |
| 25 years | $5,579 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Lansing:
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 wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Lansing: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Lansing, 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 $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lansing provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
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. Companies that 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $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.