Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Park, MI (2024 Update)

  • Highland Park Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,091
  • Payback Period: 17.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland Park

We go over average solar pricing in Highland Park.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Highland Park is 4 per watt.The average Highland Park homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,379 with the federal tax credit, or $24,852 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Highland Park depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Highland Park can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Highland Park for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Highland Park

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,987
3 years $-13,202
5 years $-10,417
7 years $-7,633
9 years $-4,848
11 years $-2,063
13 years $721
15 years $3,506
17 years $6,291
19 years $9,075
21 years $11,860
23 years $14,645
25 years $17,429

Top Solar Installers in Highland Park

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Park

The cost of installing a solar system in Highland Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Highland Park average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Highland Park, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $6,913 18.0 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,672 17.6 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,658 17.3 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $15,872 17.0 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $19,313 16.6 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $22,981 16.3 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $26,877 15.9 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $31,000 15.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose 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 several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Park, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland Park?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Highland Park, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.

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