Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bridgeport, MI (2024 Update)
- Bridgeport Solar Installation Cost: $17,618
- 25-Year Savings: $18,785
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bridgeport
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bridgeport.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bridgeport, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bridgeport, most homeowners require a 6.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,618, or $25,194 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Bridgeport, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bridgeport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,364 |
| 3 years | $-13,856 |
| 5 years | $-11,349 |
| 7 years | $-8,842 |
| 9 years | $-6,334 |
| 11 years | $-3,827 |
| 13 years | $-1,319 |
| 15 years | $1,188 |
| 17 years | $3,695 |
| 19 years | $6,203 |
| 21 years | $8,710 |
| 23 years | $11,217 |
| 25 years | $13,725 |
Top Solar Installers in Bridgeport
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bridgeport, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Bridgeport, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Bridgeport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bridgeport
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Bridgeport.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bridgeport to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,249 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,787 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $21,553 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $26,545 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $31,765 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,212 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $42,887 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $48,789 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Bridgeport, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bridgeport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Bridgeport?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.