Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kingsford, MI (2024 Update)
- Kingsford Solar Installation Cost: $17,906
- 25-Year Savings: $12,051
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kingsford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kingsford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kingsford, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 6.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Kingsford, the average price of going solar will be about $17,906 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Kingsford can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Kingsford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kingsford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,597 |
| 3 years | $-13,980 |
| 5 years | $-11,364 |
| 7 years | $-8,747 |
| 9 years | $-6,130 |
| 11 years | $-3,513 |
| 13 years | $-897 |
| 15 years | $1,720 |
| 17 years | $4,337 |
| 19 years | $6,954 |
| 21 years | $9,571 |
| 23 years | $12,187 |
| 25 years | $14,804 |
Top Solar Installers in Kingsford
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Kingsford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kingsford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingsford
The cost of installing a solar system in Kingsford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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 company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kingsford average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Kingsford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $5,544 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $7,847 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $10,377 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $13,134 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $16,119 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $19,331 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $22,770 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $26,437 | 16.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Kingsford, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Kingsford, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kingsford?
The average cost of solar panels in Kingsford is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kingsford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Kingsford. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Kingsford?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.