Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eaton, MI (2023 Update)
- Eaton Solar Installation Cost: $12,140
- 25-Year Savings: $21,549
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eaton
We break down average solar pricing in Eaton.
In Eaton, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. The average Eaton homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,136 with the federal tax credit, or $17,354 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Eaton based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Eaton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Eaton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,027 |
| 3 years | $-11,803 |
| 5 years | $-11,578 |
| 7 years | $-11,354 |
| 9 years | $-11,129 |
| 11 years | $-10,904 |
| 13 years | $-10,680 |
| 15 years | $-10,455 |
| 17 years | $-10,231 |
| 19 years | $-10,006 |
| 21 years | $-9,781 |
| 23 years | $-9,557 |
| 25 years | $-9,332 |
Top Solar Installers in Eaton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Eaton, we've compiled 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 Eaton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eaton
The cost of installing a solar system in Eaton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,810. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Eaton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Eaton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access 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 discount 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 | $20,477 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,618 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,916 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,371 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $49,983 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,753 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,681 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,765 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Eaton?
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 energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.