Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burton, MI (2023 Update)
- Burton Solar Installation Cost: $12,254
- 25-Year Savings: $20,140
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Burton.
In Burton, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,254 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,959 |
| 3 years | $-8,367 |
| 5 years | $-5,776 |
| 7 years | $-3,184 |
| 9 years | $-592 |
| 11 years | $1,999 |
| 13 years | $4,591 |
| 15 years | $7,182 |
| 17 years | $9,774 |
| 19 years | $12,365 |
| 21 years | $14,957 |
| 23 years | $17,549 |
| 25 years | $20,140 |
Top Solar Installers in Burton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Burton:
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 Burton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Burton is $12,254, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher 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 $2,810. The type of 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Burton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Burton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Burton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $18,903 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $25,519 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $32,292 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $39,222 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $46,310 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $53,556 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $60,958 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $68,518 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Burton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Burton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Burton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.