Solar Panel Cost Guide in Webster, MI (2023 Update)
- Webster Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
- 25-Year Savings: $13,988
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Webster
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Webster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Webster it's 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,058 before the 30% federal solar 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 consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Webster homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Webster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,016 |
| 3 years | $-8,932 |
| 5 years | $-6,849 |
| 7 years | $-4,765 |
| 9 years | $-2,681 |
| 11 years | $-598 |
| 13 years | $1,486 |
| 15 years | $3,570 |
| 17 years | $5,653 |
| 19 years | $7,737 |
| 21 years | $9,821 |
| 23 years | $11,904 |
| 25 years | $13,988 |
Top Solar Installers in Webster
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Webster, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Webster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Webster
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Webster: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 nearly $2,810. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Webster average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Webster, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Webster, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,223 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,945 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $22,825 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $27,862 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $33,056 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $38,408 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $43,917 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $49,583 | 10.4 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. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Webster, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Webster?
The average cost of solar panels in Webster is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Webster?
You can't get solar panels for free in Webster. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Webster?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 uses 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 household 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.