Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn Hills, MI (2025 Update)
- Auburn Hills Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
- 25-Year Savings: $12,969
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn Hills
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Auburn Hills.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Auburn Hills it’s 4 per watt.The average Auburn Hills homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,556 with the federal tax credit, or $25,105 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Auburn Hills homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Auburn Hills can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn Hills
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,163 |
3 years | $-13,379 |
5 years | $-10,594 |
7 years | $-7,809 |
9 years | $-5,025 |
11 years | $-2,240 |
13 years | $545 |
15 years | $3,329 |
17 years | $6,114 |
19 years | $8,899 |
21 years | $11,683 |
23 years | $14,468 |
25 years | $17,253 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn Hills
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Auburn Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn Hills
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 $4,060.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Auburn Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Auburn Hills offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Auburn Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $6,665 | 18.2 years |
8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,341 | 17.8 years |
10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,245 | 17.5 years |
12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,376 | 17.1 years |
14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $18,734 | 16.8 years |
16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,320 | 16.4 years |
18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,133 | 16.1 years |
20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,174 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
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 $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Auburn Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Auburn Hills?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.