Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fenton, MI (2024 Update)
- Fenton Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $17,949
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fenton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fenton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fenton it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fenton, the average price of going solar will be about $17,718 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fenton can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Fenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,464 |
| 3 years | $-13,957 |
| 5 years | $-11,449 |
| 7 years | $-8,942 |
| 9 years | $-6,434 |
| 11 years | $-3,927 |
| 13 years | $-1,420 |
| 15 years | $1,088 |
| 17 years | $3,595 |
| 19 years | $6,103 |
| 21 years | $8,610 |
| 23 years | $11,117 |
| 25 years | $13,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Fenton
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of 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:
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 Fenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fenton
For many Fenton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fenton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Fenton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fenton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Fenton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind 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 remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Fenton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $11,343 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $15,578 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $20,041 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $24,732 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $29,649 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $34,795 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $40,167 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $45,767 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Fenton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although 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 be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Fenton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fenton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with 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.
Is it worth going solar in Fenton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.