Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stockbridge, MI (2024 Update)
- Stockbridge Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
- 25-Year Savings: $17,263
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stockbridge
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Stockbridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stockbridge it’s 4 per watt.The average Stockbridge homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,543 with the federal tax credit, or $25,086 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Stockbridge depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stockbridge find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Stockbridge, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stockbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,289 |
| 3 years | $-13,782 |
| 5 years | $-11,274 |
| 7 years | $-8,767 |
| 9 years | $-6,259 |
| 11 years | $-3,752 |
| 13 years | $-1,245 |
| 15 years | $1,263 |
| 17 years | $3,770 |
| 19 years | $6,278 |
| 21 years | $8,785 |
| 23 years | $11,292 |
| 25 years | $13,800 |
Top Solar Installers in Stockbridge
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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
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 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 depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Stockbridge.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stockbridge to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Stockbridge, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,847 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,918 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,216 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $23,741 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,494 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $33,474 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $38,681 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,116 | 13.4 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 efficiency, production, and durability, 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 adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Stockbridge, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stockbridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Stockbridge 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stockbridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.
Does Stockbridge have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 Stockbridge?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.