Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Rapids, WI (2024 Update)
- Grand Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $20,025
- 25-Year Savings: $20,354
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Rapids
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Grand Rapids.
In Grand Rapids, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Grand Rapids homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,025 with the federal tax credit, or $28,636 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Grand Rapids homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Grand Rapids see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Grand Rapids, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grand Rapids
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,336 |
| 3 years | $-17,959 |
| 5 years | $-16,581 |
| 7 years | $-15,204 |
| 9 years | $-13,826 |
| 11 years | $-12,449 |
| 13 years | $-11,071 |
| 15 years | $-9,693 |
| 17 years | $-8,316 |
| 19 years | $-6,938 |
| 21 years | $-5,561 |
| 23 years | $-4,183 |
| 25 years | $-2,806 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Rapids
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Grand Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Rapids
Although the average cost of a solar system in Grand Rapids is $20,025, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 $3,880. The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Grand Rapids, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Grand Rapids homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Grand Rapids is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $10,536 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $14,483 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $18,646 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $23,027 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $27,626 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $32,442 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $37,474 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $42,725 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Grand Rapids, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Grand Rapids, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Rapids?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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.
Does Grand Rapids have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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.