Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leighton, MI (2023 Update)
- Leighton Solar Installation Cost: $11,684
- 25-Year Savings: $22,821
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leighton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Leighton.
In Leighton, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Leighton, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,684, or $16,708 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Leighton based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,304 |
| 3 years | $-7,543 |
| 5 years | $-4,783 |
| 7 years | $-2,023 |
| 9 years | $738 |
| 11 years | $3,498 |
| 13 years | $6,258 |
| 15 years | $9,019 |
| 17 years | $11,779 |
| 19 years | $14,539 |
| 21 years | $17,300 |
| 23 years | $20,060 |
| 25 years | $22,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Leighton
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,810. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Leighton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Leighton, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $22,552 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $30,384 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $38,373 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $46,520 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $54,824 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $63,285 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $71,904 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $80,680 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although 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 make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Leighton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.