Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, MI (2024 Update)
- Highland Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
- 25-Year Savings: $16,386
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland
We go over average solar pricing in Highland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highland, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Highland homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,556 with the federal tax credit, or $25,105 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Highland find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
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 Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,198 |
| 3 years | $-13,483 |
| 5 years | $-10,767 |
| 7 years | $-8,052 |
| 9 years | $-5,337 |
| 11 years | $-2,621 |
| 13 years | $94 |
| 15 years | $2,809 |
| 17 years | $5,525 |
| 19 years | $8,240 |
| 21 years | $10,955 |
| 23 years | $13,671 |
| 25 years | $16,386 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Highland:
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 Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland
The cost of installing a solar system in Highland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Highland, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Highland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Highland is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play 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 better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $7,764 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $10,807 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $14,077 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $17,574 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $21,299 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $25,251 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $29,431 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $33,838 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Highland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Highland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highland?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Highland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Highland. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Highland?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.