Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lansing, NY (2024 Update)
- Lansing Solar Installation Cost: $11,905
- 25-Year Savings: $5,580
- Payback Period: 19.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing
See how much it might cost to go solar in Lansing.
In Lansing, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Lansing homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,905 with the federal tax credit, or $17,024 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Lansing based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lansing
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,080 |
| 3 years | $-9,428 |
| 5 years | $-7,776 |
| 7 years | $-6,124 |
| 9 years | $-4,472 |
| 11 years | $-2,820 |
| 13 years | $-1,169 |
| 15 years | $483 |
| 17 years | $2,135 |
| 19 years | $3,787 |
| 21 years | $5,439 |
| 23 years | $7,091 |
| 25 years | $8,743 |
Top Solar Installers in Lansing
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Lansing, we've 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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Lansing
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lansing
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Lansing is $11,905, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lansing to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Lansing, and each can charge different amounts for labor and 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,631 | 20.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,251 | 20.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,074 | 19.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,102 | 19.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,335 | 18.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,772 | 18.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $16,413 | 18.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,259 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, 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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Lansing, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lansing?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lansing is currently $244,506, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,025 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lansing is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.