Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, MI (2024 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
- 25-Year Savings: $17,227
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
We go over average solar pricing in Brighton.
The average cost of a solar system in Brighton is 4 per watt.The average Brighton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,582 with the federal tax credit, or $25,142 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Brighton can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Brighton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,189 |
| 3 years | $-13,405 |
| 5 years | $-10,620 |
| 7 years | $-7,835 |
| 9 years | $-5,051 |
| 11 years | $-2,266 |
| 13 years | $519 |
| 15 years | $3,303 |
| 17 years | $6,088 |
| 19 years | $8,873 |
| 21 years | $11,657 |
| 23 years | $14,442 |
| 25 years | $17,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Brighton, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brighton is $17,582, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brighton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Brighton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Brighton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $6,629 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,293 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,185 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,304 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $18,650 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,224 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,025 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,053 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Brighton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Brighton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brighton?
The average cost of solar panels in Brighton 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Brighton have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Brighton?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.