Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn Hills, MI (2024 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 average cost of a solar panel system in Auburn Hills is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Auburn Hills is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,556 for a solar installation, or $25,105 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Auburn Hills depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Auburn Hills that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Auburn Hills, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
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
While the average cost of a solar system in Auburn Hills is $17,556, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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 nearly $4,060. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Auburn Hills, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 total costs, but also the kinds 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
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 Auburn Hills, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn Hills?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Auburn Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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.
Does Auburn Hills have a net metering program?
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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 install 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.