Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, MI (2023 Update)
- Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $12,193
- 25-Year Savings: $23,111
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carrollton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Carrollton.
The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton is 2.81 per watt. The average Carrollton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,195 with the federal tax credit, or $17,439 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carrollton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Carrollton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,076 |
| 3 years | $-11,840 |
| 5 years | $-11,605 |
| 7 years | $-11,370 |
| 9 years | $-11,134 |
| 11 years | $-10,899 |
| 13 years | $-10,664 |
| 15 years | $-10,428 |
| 17 years | $-10,193 |
| 19 years | $-9,957 |
| 21 years | $-9,722 |
| 23 years | $-9,487 |
| 25 years | $-9,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Carrollton
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Carrollton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Carrollton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carrollton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Carrollton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $21,897 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,510 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,281 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,210 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,295 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,538 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,939 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,497 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Carrollton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carrollton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Carrollton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Carrollton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.