Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leighton, MI (2024 Update)
- Leighton Solar Installation Cost: $16,895
- 25-Year Savings: $22,811
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leighton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Leighton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Leighton typically cost about 4.Since a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Leighton, the average price of going solar will be about $16,895 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Leighton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Leighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,641 |
| 3 years | $-13,133 |
| 5 years | $-10,626 |
| 7 years | $-8,119 |
| 9 years | $-5,611 |
| 11 years | $-3,104 |
| 13 years | $-596 |
| 15 years | $1,911 |
| 17 years | $4,418 |
| 19 years | $6,926 |
| 21 years | $9,433 |
| 23 years | $11,940 |
| 25 years | $14,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Leighton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Leighton:
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 Leighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leighton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Leighton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Leighton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Leighton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Leighton is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Leighton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $17,092 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,244 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,623 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,230 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,064 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,125 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,414 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,930 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Leighton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leighton?
The average cost of solar panels in Leighton is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.