Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thornapple, MI (2024 Update)
- Thornapple Solar Installation Cost: $17,425
- 25-Year Savings: $22,444
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thornapple
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thornapple.
The average cost of a solar system in Thornapple is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,425 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Thornapple homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thornapple
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,171 |
| 3 years | $-13,664 |
| 5 years | $-11,156 |
| 7 years | $-8,649 |
| 9 years | $-6,141 |
| 11 years | $-3,634 |
| 13 years | $-1,127 |
| 15 years | $1,381 |
| 17 years | $3,888 |
| 19 years | $6,396 |
| 21 years | $8,903 |
| 23 years | $11,410 |
| 25 years | $13,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Thornapple
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Thornapple
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thornapple
The cost of installing a solar system in Thornapple can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $4,060. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Thornapple, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that 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
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Thornapple, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $16,032 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,831 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,857 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,111 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $40,591 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,300 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,235 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $61,398 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Thornapple, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thornapple?
The average cost of solar panels in Thornapple is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Thornapple?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Thornapple. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.