Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, MI (Mar 2023)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $12,254
- 25-Year Savings: $23,050
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clayton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clayton it's 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Clayton is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,254 for a solar installation, or $17,523 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Clayton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Clayton homeowner can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Clayton for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,842 |
| 3 years | $-8,018 |
| 5 years | $-5,194 |
| 7 years | $-2,369 |
| 9 years | $455 |
| 11 years | $3,279 |
| 13 years | $6,104 |
| 15 years | $8,928 |
| 17 years | $11,752 |
| 19 years | $14,577 |
| 21 years | $17,401 |
| 23 years | $20,226 |
| 25 years | $23,050 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Clayton homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clayton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,810. The 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 power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clayton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Clayton have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. 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 remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Clayton, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $21,704 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,253 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,960 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $44,824 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $52,845 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,024 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,360 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $77,853 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Clayton have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Clayton?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.