Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, MI (2025 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $23,042
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
We go over average solar pricing in Clayton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clayton, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Clayton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,718 with the federal tax credit, or $25,337 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Clayton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clayton find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,464 |
3 years | $-13,957 |
5 years | $-11,449 |
7 years | $-8,942 |
9 years | $-6,434 |
11 years | $-3,927 |
13 years | $-1,420 |
15 years | $1,088 |
17 years | $3,595 |
19 years | $6,103 |
21 years | $8,610 |
23 years | $11,117 |
25 years | $13,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Clayton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
The cost of installing a solar system in Clayton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clayton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration 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
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Clayton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the 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 | $16,244 | 13.0 years |
8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,113 | 12.8 years |
10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $28,210 | 12.5 years |
12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $34,534 | 12.3 years |
14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $41,085 | 12.0 years |
16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $47,864 | 11.8 years |
18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $54,870 | 11.5 years |
20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $62,103 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's Clayton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clayton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.