Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porter, MI (2024 Update)
- Porter Solar Installation Cost: $17,042
- 25-Year Savings: $19,109
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porter
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Porter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Porter it’s 4 per watt.Since a 6.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Porter, the average price of going solar will be about $17,042 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Porter depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Porter can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Porter that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Porter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,807 |
| 3 years | $-13,339 |
| 5 years | $-10,871 |
| 7 years | $-8,402 |
| 9 years | $-5,934 |
| 11 years | $-3,465 |
| 13 years | $-997 |
| 15 years | $1,471 |
| 17 years | $3,940 |
| 19 years | $6,408 |
| 21 years | $8,876 |
| 23 years | $11,345 |
| 25 years | $13,813 |
Top Solar Installers in Porter
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Porter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter
For many Porter homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Porter, 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Porter, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment 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 Porter to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Porter, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $13,188 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $18,039 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $23,117 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $28,423 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $33,956 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $39,716 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $45,704 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $51,918 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Porter, 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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality 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 Porter, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Porter?
The average cost of solar panels in Porter 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Porter?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Porter, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 needs 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 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.