Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, MI (2024 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $23,042
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,718 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Clayton can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Clayton, you can 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 you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Clayton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 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 largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Clayton.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clayton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Clayton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Clayton know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $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 solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clayton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Clayton?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.