Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allendale, MI (2023 Update)
- Allendale Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
- 25-Year Savings: $20,977
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allendale
We go over average solar pricing in Allendale.
The average cost of solar panels in Allendale is 2.81 per watt.Since a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Allendale, the average price of going solar will be about $11,664 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Allendale homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allendale
| 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 Allendale
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Allendale, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Allendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allendale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Allendale: 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Allendale.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Allendale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Allendale to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Allendale, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Allendale are more knowledgeable 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 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,291 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,843 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,623 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,629 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,863 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $45,324 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $52,013 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,929 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Allendale, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Allendale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Allendale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Allendale is currently $201,187, so you can expect a value of about $8,249 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Allendale is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.