Solar Panel Cost Guide in Springfield, MI (2024 Update)
- Springfield Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
- 25-Year Savings: $13,895
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Springfield
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Springfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Springfield generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,556 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Springfield depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Springfield homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Springfield for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Springfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,191 |
| 3 years | $-13,462 |
| 5 years | $-10,733 |
| 7 years | $-8,003 |
| 9 years | $-5,274 |
| 11 years | $-2,545 |
| 13 years | $184 |
| 15 years | $2,913 |
| 17 years | $5,643 |
| 19 years | $8,372 |
| 21 years | $11,101 |
| 23 years | $13,830 |
| 25 years | $16,559 |
Top Solar Installers in Springfield
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Springfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Springfield
The cost of installing a solar system in Springfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Springfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Springfield to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Springfield’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $7,564 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $10,540 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $13,744 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $17,175 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $20,833 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $24,718 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $28,831 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $33,171 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Springfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Springfield?
This is a hard 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Springfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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.