Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madison Heights, MI (2023 Update)
- Madison Heights Solar Installation Cost: $12,151
- 25-Year Savings: $12,969
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madison Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Madison Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Madison Heights generally cost around 2.81. The average solar panel system size in Madison Heights is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,156 for a solar installation, or $17,383 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Madison Heights find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Madison Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Madison Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,067 |
| 3 years | $-11,899 |
| 5 years | $-11,732 |
| 7 years | $-11,565 |
| 9 years | $-11,397 |
| 11 years | $-11,230 |
| 13 years | $-11,062 |
| 15 years | $-10,895 |
| 17 years | $-10,727 |
| 19 years | $-10,560 |
| 21 years | $-10,392 |
| 23 years | $-10,225 |
| 25 years | $-10,057 |
Top Solar Installers in Madison Heights
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Madison Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madison Heights
For many Madison Heights homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Madison Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Madison Heights. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Madison Heights, where sunlight isn't as 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Madison Heights, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Madison Heights is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $12,125 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,481 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,995 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,666 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,494 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,480 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,623 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,924 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Madison Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Madison Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Madison Heights?
Solar panels aren't free in Madison Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Madison Heights have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.