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

  • Hudsonville Solar Installation Cost: $16,853
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,840
  • Payback Period: 12.2 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 Hudsonville

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

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

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Hudsonville see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Hudsonville

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 Hudsonville

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Hudsonville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudsonville

There are a number of criteria that can affect 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 system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hudsonville, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Hudsonville to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hudsonville is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $17,177 12.7 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $23,357 12.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $29,764 12.2 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $36,399 12.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $43,262 11.7 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $50,352 11.5 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $57,669 11.2 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $65,213 11.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Hudsonville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

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 Hudsonville, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hudsonville?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hudsonville?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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