Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stockbridge, MI (2023 Update)

  • Stockbridge Solar Installation Cost: $12,136
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,268
  • Payback Period: 10.3 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 Stockbridge

We break down average solar pricing in Stockbridge.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stockbridge typically cost around 2.81. The average solar panel system size in Stockbridge is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,136 for a solar installation, or $17,354 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stockbridge find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Stockbridge for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Stockbridge

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,960
3 years $-8,608
5 years $-6,256
7 years $-3,903
9 years $-1,551
11 years $801
13 years $3,154
15 years $5,506
17 years $7,858
19 years $10,211
21 years $12,563
23 years $14,916
25 years $17,268

Top Solar Installers in Stockbridge

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Stockbridge:

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 Stockbridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stockbridge

The cost of installing a solar system in Stockbridge can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stockbridge average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stockbridge to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Stockbridge is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Stockbridge have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $2.92 $12,274 $16,307 10.7 years
8 kW $2.87 $16,051 $22,058 10.5 years
10 kW $2.81 $19,670 $27,966 10.3 years
12 kW $2.75 $23,132 $34,031 10.1 years
14 kW $2.70 $26,436 $40,254 9.9 years
16 kW $2.64 $29,584 $46,634 9.7 years
18 kW $2.59 $32,574 $53,171 9.5 years
20 kW $2.53 $35,406 $59,866 9.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

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 Stockbridge, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stockbridge?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stockbridge?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Stockbridge is currently $165,093, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,769 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Stockbridge is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.

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