Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dexter, MI (2023 Update)
- Dexter Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
- 25-Year Savings: $16,482
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dexter
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Dexter.
The average cost of a solar system in Dexter is 2.81 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dexter, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,058, or $17,243 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Dexter based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dexter see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Dexter for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Dexter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,916 |
| 3 years | $-8,633 |
| 5 years | $-6,350 |
| 7 years | $-4,067 |
| 9 years | $-1,783 |
| 11 years | $500 |
| 13 years | $2,783 |
| 15 years | $5,066 |
| 17 years | $7,349 |
| 19 years | $9,632 |
| 21 years | $11,916 |
| 23 years | $14,199 |
| 25 years | $16,482 |
Top Solar Installers in Dexter
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Dexter, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Dexter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dexter
Though the average cost of a solar system in Dexter is $12,058, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Dexter, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $15,664 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,200 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,894 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,745 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $38,753 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $44,918 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $51,241 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $57,722 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Dexter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Dexter, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dexter?
The average cost of solar panels in Dexter 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dexter?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.