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
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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.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Porter, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,042, or $24,370 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Porter for a personalized quote.
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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Porter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $4,060 per kilowatt in Porter.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back 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 Porter is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 a lot of 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 company, make sure you look it over fully 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 part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Porter, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Porter?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,030.74 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.