Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eaton, MI (2024 Update)
- Eaton Solar Installation Cost: $17,540
- 25-Year Savings: $21,549
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eaton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Eaton.
The average cost of a solar system in Eaton is 4 per watt.The average Eaton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,540 with the federal tax credit, or $25,082 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Eaton depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Eaton can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eaton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,286 |
| 3 years | $-13,779 |
| 5 years | $-11,271 |
| 7 years | $-8,764 |
| 9 years | $-6,257 |
| 11 years | $-3,749 |
| 13 years | $-1,242 |
| 15 years | $1,266 |
| 17 years | $3,773 |
| 19 years | $6,280 |
| 21 years | $8,788 |
| 23 years | $11,295 |
| 25 years | $13,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Eaton
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Eaton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Eaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eaton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Eaton is $17,540, your actual 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 solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Eaton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Eaton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Eaton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Eaton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better 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 down 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 | $15,017 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,478 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,166 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,081 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,223 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,593 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,191 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,015 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Eaton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Eaton?
The average cost of solar panels in Eaton 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Eaton have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.