Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dexter, MI (2024 Update)
- Dexter Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $16,484
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dexter
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Dexter.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Dexter is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $17,419 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Dexter homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dexter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,131 |
| 3 years | $-13,554 |
| 5 years | $-10,977 |
| 7 years | $-8,400 |
| 9 years | $-5,824 |
| 11 years | $-3,247 |
| 13 years | $-670 |
| 15 years | $1,906 |
| 17 years | $4,483 |
| 19 years | $7,060 |
| 21 years | $9,636 |
| 23 years | $12,213 |
| 25 years | $14,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Dexter
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Dexter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dexter
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Dexter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Dexter, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Dexter average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Dexter homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Dexter, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater 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 companies.
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 | $10,204 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,060 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $18,144 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $22,455 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $26,993 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $31,758 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $36,751 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $41,972 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 $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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Dexter?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Dexter. 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dexter?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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 Dexter?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.