Solar Panel Cost Guide in Redford, MI (Mar 2023)
- Redford Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Redford
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Redford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Redford, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average Redford homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,038 with the federal tax credit, or $17,214 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Redford homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Redford for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Redford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,033 |
| 3 years | $-9,024 |
| 5 years | $-7,014 |
| 7 years | $-5,005 |
| 9 years | $-2,995 |
| 11 years | $-985 |
| 13 years | $1,024 |
| 15 years | $3,034 |
| 17 years | $5,043 |
| 19 years | $7,053 |
| 21 years | $9,063 |
| 23 years | $11,072 |
| 25 years | $13,082 |
Top Solar Installers in Redford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with 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 right for you.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Redford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Redford
Though the average cost of a solar system in Redford is $12,038, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Redford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Redford, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Redford is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,812 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,408 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,162 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,073 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,141 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,367 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,750 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While 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 be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Redford, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Redford?
The average cost of solar panels in Redford is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Redford?
You can't get solar panels for free in Redford. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Redford, 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 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.