Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn Hills, MI (2023 Update)
- Auburn Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,151
- 25-Year Savings: $12,969
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn Hills
We go over average solar pricing in Auburn Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Auburn Hills, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average Auburn Hills homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,156 with the federal tax credit, or $17,383 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Auburn Hills depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Auburn Hills homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,758 |
| 3 years | $-7,974 |
| 5 years | $-5,189 |
| 7 years | $-2,404 |
| 9 years | $380 |
| 11 years | $3,165 |
| 13 years | $5,950 |
| 15 years | $8,734 |
| 17 years | $11,519 |
| 19 years | $14,304 |
| 21 years | $17,088 |
| 23 years | $19,873 |
| 25 years | $22,658 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn Hills
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Auburn Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn Hills
Although the average cost of a solar system in Auburn Hills is $12,156, your actual 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 panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,810 per kilowatt in Auburn Hills. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Auburn Hills, 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 total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly 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 Auburn Hills is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Auburn Hills have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,125 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,481 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,995 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,666 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,494 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,480 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,623 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,924 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Auburn Hills, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Auburn Hills, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn Hills is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Auburn Hills?
You can't get solar panels for free in Auburn Hills. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having 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 Auburn Hills is currently $247,925, so you can expect a value of about $10,165 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Auburn Hills is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.