Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Huron, MI (2023 Update)
- Port Huron Solar Installation Cost: $11,711
- 25-Year Savings: $13,409
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Huron
We go over average solar pricing in Port Huron.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Port Huron generally cost around 2.81. Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $11,704 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Huron
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,319 |
| 3 years | $-7,534 |
| 5 years | $-4,750 |
| 7 years | $-1,965 |
| 9 years | $820 |
| 11 years | $3,604 |
| 13 years | $6,389 |
| 15 years | $9,174 |
| 17 years | $11,958 |
| 19 years | $14,743 |
| 21 years | $17,528 |
| 23 years | $20,312 |
| 25 years | $23,097 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Huron
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you're looking for a solar company in Port Huron, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Port Huron
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Huron
The cost of installing a solar system in Port Huron can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Port Huron average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Port Huron, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Port Huron is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,040 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,702 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $22,520 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $27,496 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $32,630 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $37,921 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $43,369 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $48,975 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Port Huron, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Huron?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Huron 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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 long do solar panels last in Port Huron?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.