Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rochester Hills, MI (2024 Update)

  • Rochester Hills Solar Installation Cost: $17,556
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,969
  • Payback Period: 17.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 what the average cost of solar panels are in Rochester Hills.

The average cost of solar panels in Rochester Hills is 4 per watt.The average Rochester Hills homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,556 with the federal tax credit, or $25,105 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rochester Hills find installing solar panels can pay off big.

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

Solar savings over time in Rochester Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,163
3 years $-13,379
5 years $-10,594
7 years $-7,809
9 years $-5,025
11 years $-2,240
13 years $545
15 years $3,329
17 years $6,114
19 years $8,899
21 years $11,683
23 years $14,468
25 years $17,253

Top Solar Installers in Rochester Hills

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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

There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel 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

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $4,060. 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rochester Hills average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rochester Hills, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rochester Hills homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Rochester Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Rochester Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $6,665 18.2 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,341 17.8 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,245 17.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $15,376 17.1 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $18,734 16.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $22,320 16.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $26,133 16.1 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $30,174 15.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rochester Hills?

The average cost of solar panels in Rochester Hills is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 Rochester Hills?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even 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 choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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