Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dearborn Heights, MI (2024 Update)
- Dearborn Heights Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dearborn Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Dearborn Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dearborn Heights generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Dearborn Heights, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,379, or $24,852 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember 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 panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dearborn Heights see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Dearborn Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dearborn Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,202 |
| 5 years | $-10,417 |
| 7 years | $-7,633 |
| 9 years | $-4,848 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $721 |
| 15 years | $3,506 |
| 17 years | $6,291 |
| 19 years | $9,075 |
| 21 years | $11,860 |
| 23 years | $14,645 |
| 25 years | $17,429 |
Top Solar Installers in Dearborn Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Dearborn Heights, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Dearborn Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dearborn Heights
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Dearborn Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dearborn Heights, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Dearborn Heights, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Dearborn Heights homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Dearborn Heights, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Dearborn Heights 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 help you save 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 | $6,913 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,672 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,658 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,872 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,313 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,981 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,877 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,000 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Dearborn Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dearborn Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Dearborn Heights 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dearborn Heights?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dearborn Heights. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.