Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown, MI (2024 Update)
- Watertown Solar Installation Cost: $17,559
- 25-Year Savings: $21,385
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watertown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Watertown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Watertown typically cost around 4.The average Watertown homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,559 with the federal tax credit, or $25,109 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Watertown for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Watertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,305 |
| 3 years | $-13,798 |
| 5 years | $-11,290 |
| 7 years | $-8,783 |
| 9 years | $-6,276 |
| 11 years | $-3,768 |
| 13 years | $-1,261 |
| 15 years | $1,247 |
| 17 years | $3,754 |
| 19 years | $6,261 |
| 21 years | $8,769 |
| 23 years | $11,276 |
| 25 years | $13,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Watertown
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Watertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Watertown is $17,559, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Watertown, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Watertown to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Watertown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Watertown is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $14,835 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,235 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,862 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,716 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,798 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,107 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,644 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,408 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Watertown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watertown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Watertown?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.