Solar Panel Cost Guide in Troy, MI (2024 Update)

  • Troy 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 June 24, 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 Troy

We go over average solar pricing in Troy.

The average cost of solar panels in Troy is 4 per watt.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Troy, the average price of going solar will be about $17,556 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Troy find investing in solar can pay off big.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Troy, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Troy

YearReturn 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 Troy

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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See all of the solar companies in Troy

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Troy

There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Troy, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Troy homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Troy, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$6,66518.2 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$9,34117.8 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$12,24517.5 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$15,37617.1 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$18,73416.8 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$22,32016.4 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$26,13316.1 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$30,17415.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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EcoWatch's Troy, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Troy?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my 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 Troy is currently $406,379, so you can look forward to a value of about $16,662 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Troy is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.