Solar Panel Cost Guide in Inkster, MI (2023 Update)
- Inkster Solar Installation Cost: $12,028
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Inkster
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Inkster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Inkster it's 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Inkster is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,038 for a solar installation, or $17,214 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Inkster homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Inkster homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Inkster for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Inkster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,945 |
| 3 years | $-11,777 |
| 5 years | $-11,610 |
| 7 years | $-11,442 |
| 9 years | $-11,275 |
| 11 years | $-11,107 |
| 13 years | $-10,940 |
| 15 years | $-10,772 |
| 17 years | $-10,605 |
| 19 years | $-10,438 |
| 21 years | $-10,270 |
| 23 years | $-10,103 |
| 25 years | $-9,935 |
Top Solar Installers in Inkster
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Inkster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Inkster
The cost of installing a solar system in Inkster 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 you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Inkster, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Inkster to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Inkster, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,812 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,408 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,162 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,073 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,141 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,367 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,750 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Inkster, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Inkster, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Inkster?
The average cost of solar panels in Inkster is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Inkster, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.