Solar Panel Cost Guide in Napoleon, MI (2024 Update)
- Napoleon Solar Installation Cost: $17,403
- 25-Year Savings: $22,478
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Napoleon
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Napoleon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Napoleon it’s 4 per watt.The average Napoleon homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,403 with the federal tax credit, or $24,886 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Napoleon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Napoleon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,149 |
| 3 years | $-13,642 |
| 5 years | $-11,135 |
| 7 years | $-8,627 |
| 9 years | $-6,120 |
| 11 years | $-3,612 |
| 13 years | $-1,105 |
| 15 years | $1,402 |
| 17 years | $3,910 |
| 19 years | $6,417 |
| 21 years | $8,925 |
| 23 years | $11,432 |
| 25 years | $13,939 |
Top Solar Installers in Napoleon
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Napoleon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Napoleon
For many Napoleon homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Napoleon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Napoleon, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Napoleon is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $16,093 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,912 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,958 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,232 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,733 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,461 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,417 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,600 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Napoleon, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Napoleon?
The average cost of solar panels in Napoleon 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 higher 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.