Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton Heights, MI (2023 Update)
- Benton Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,645
- 25-Year Savings: $18,316
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Benton Heights.
In Benton Heights, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Benton Heights is around 5.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,645 for a solar installation, or $16,652 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Benton Heights homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Benton Heights find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Benton Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benton Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,446 |
| 3 years | $-8,049 |
| 5 years | $-5,653 |
| 7 years | $-3,256 |
| 9 years | $-859 |
| 11 years | $1,538 |
| 13 years | $3,935 |
| 15 years | $6,332 |
| 17 years | $8,728 |
| 19 years | $11,125 |
| 21 years | $13,522 |
| 23 years | $15,919 |
| 25 years | $18,316 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton Heights
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Benton Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton Heights
The cost of installing a solar system in Benton Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Benton Heights. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Benton Heights, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Benton Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $18,071 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $24,409 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $30,905 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $37,558 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $44,368 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $51,336 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $58,461 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $65,744 | 8.8 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 past customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Benton Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Benton Heights 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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.
Is it worth going solar in Benton Heights?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Benton Heights?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.