Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester Hills, MI (2023 Update)

  • Rochester Hills Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,964
  • Payback Period: 12.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rochester Hills

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rochester Hills.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rochester Hills it's 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rochester Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $12,156 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rochester Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,151
3 years $-9,142
5 years $-7,132
7 years $-5,123
9 years $-3,113
11 years $-1,103
13 years $906
15 years $2,916
17 years $4,925
19 years $6,935
21 years $8,945
23 years $10,954
25 years $12,964

Top Solar Installers in Rochester Hills

Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Rochester Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rochester Hills

Though the average cost of a solar system in Rochester Hills is $12,156, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant 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 solar panels in Rochester Hills, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Rochester Hills, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rochester Hills homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $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

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rochester Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Rochester Hills, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rochester Hills?

The average cost of solar panels in Rochester Hills 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rochester Hills?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in Rochester Hills?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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