Solar Panel Cost Guide in Battle Creek, MI (2024 Update)
- Battle Creek Solar Installation Cost: $17,354
- 25-Year Savings: $22,285
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Battle Creek
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Battle Creek.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Battle Creek typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Battle Creek, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,354, or $24,816 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Battle Creek based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Battle Creek homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Battle Creek that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Battle Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,101 |
| 3 years | $-13,593 |
| 5 years | $-11,086 |
| 7 years | $-8,579 |
| 9 years | $-6,071 |
| 11 years | $-3,564 |
| 13 years | $-1,056 |
| 15 years | $1,451 |
| 17 years | $3,958 |
| 19 years | $6,466 |
| 21 years | $8,973 |
| 23 years | $11,480 |
| 25 years | $13,988 |
Top Solar Installers in Battle Creek
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
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 Battle Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Battle Creek
The cost of installing a solar system in Battle Creek can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,060. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Battle Creek average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 additional services like electric car 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,964 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,740 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,744 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,975 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,433 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,119 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,032 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,172 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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
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 Battle Creek, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Battle Creek?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Battle Creek, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally 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.