Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allendale, MI (2024 Update)

  • Allendale Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,977
  • Payback Period: 12.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allendale

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Allendale.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Allendale it’s 4 per watt.Because a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Allendale, the average price of going solar will be about $16,853 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Allendale, you can 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 put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Allendale:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Allendale provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Allendale homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Allendale?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Allendale. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

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 $358,782, which means you can expect a value of about $14,710 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Allendale is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.

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