Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ionia, MI (2024 Update)
- Ionia Solar Installation Cost: $17,521
- 25-Year Savings: $21,562
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ionia
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ionia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ionia typically cost around 4.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ionia, the average price of going solar will be about $17,521 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Ionia homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ionia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,267 |
| 3 years | $-13,760 |
| 5 years | $-11,252 |
| 7 years | $-8,745 |
| 9 years | $-6,238 |
| 11 years | $-3,730 |
| 13 years | $-1,223 |
| 15 years | $1,284 |
| 17 years | $3,792 |
| 19 years | $6,299 |
| 21 years | $8,807 |
| 23 years | $11,314 |
| 25 years | $13,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Ionia
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Ionia:
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 Ionia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ionia
The cost of installing a solar system in Ionia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Ionia, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ionia, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ionia homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ionia is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,052 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,525 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,224 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,151 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,306 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,687 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,296 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,133 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Ionia, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ionia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ionia?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.