Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillsdale, MI (2024 Update)
- Hillsdale Solar Installation Cost: $17,293
- 25-Year Savings: $21,981
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillsdale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hillsdale.
In Hillsdale, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Hillsdale homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,293 with the federal tax credit, or $24,729 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Hillsdale homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Hillsdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,039 |
| 3 years | $-13,531 |
| 5 years | $-11,024 |
| 7 years | $-8,517 |
| 9 years | $-6,009 |
| 11 years | $-3,502 |
| 13 years | $-995 |
| 15 years | $1,513 |
| 17 years | $4,020 |
| 19 years | $6,528 |
| 21 years | $9,035 |
| 23 years | $11,542 |
| 25 years | $14,050 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillsdale
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Hillsdale:
See all of the solar companies in Hillsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillsdale
For many Hillsdale homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillsdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Hillsdale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hillsdale average.
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 Hillsdale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Hillsdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hillsdale is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $15,743 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $21,445 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $27,375 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $33,532 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $39,916 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $46,528 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $53,367 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $60,434 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's Hillsdale, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillsdale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hillsdale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hillsdale. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Hillsdale?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.