Solar Panel Cost Guide in Decatur, MI (2024 Update)
- Decatur Solar Installation Cost: $16,493
- 25-Year Savings: $20,327
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Decatur
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Decatur.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Decatur generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Decatur is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,493 for a solar installation, or $23,585 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Decatur find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Decatur, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Decatur
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,239 |
| 3 years | $-12,732 |
| 5 years | $-10,225 |
| 7 years | $-7,717 |
| 9 years | $-5,210 |
| 11 years | $-2,702 |
| 13 years | $-195 |
| 15 years | $2,312 |
| 17 years | $4,820 |
| 19 years | $7,327 |
| 21 years | $9,835 |
| 23 years | $12,342 |
| 25 years | $14,849 |
Top Solar Installers in Decatur
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Decatur
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Decatur
For many Decatur homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Decatur, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,060. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Decatur provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Decatur 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Decatur, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $15,083 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,566 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,276 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,213 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,377 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,769 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,389 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,235 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Decatur, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Decatur, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Decatur?
The average cost of solar panels in Decatur is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Decatur?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Decatur?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates 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 usage 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 install 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.