Solar Panel Cost Guide in Deerfield, MI (2023 Update)
- Deerfield Solar Installation Cost: $12,204
- 25-Year Savings: $14,394
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Deerfield
We break down average solar pricing in Deerfield.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Deerfield generally cost about 2.81. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Deerfield, the average price of going solar will be about $12,195 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Deerfield find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Deerfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Deerfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,115 |
| 3 years | $-11,938 |
| 5 years | $-11,760 |
| 7 years | $-11,583 |
| 9 years | $-11,406 |
| 11 years | $-11,228 |
| 13 years | $-11,051 |
| 15 years | $-10,874 |
| 17 years | $-10,696 |
| 19 years | $-10,519 |
| 21 years | $-10,342 |
| 23 years | $-10,164 |
| 25 years | $-9,987 |
Top Solar Installers in Deerfield
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Deerfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Deerfield
There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Deerfield, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Deerfield, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Deerfield to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Deerfield homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. Deerfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,448 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $18,246 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $23,201 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $28,313 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $33,583 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $39,010 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $44,594 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $50,335 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Deerfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Deerfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Deerfield 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside 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 your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Deerfield have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Deerfield?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.