Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, MI (2024 Update)
- Westwood Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
- 25-Year Savings: $23,036
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Westwood.
The average cost of a solar system in Westwood is 4 per watt.The average Westwood homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,318 with the federal tax credit, or $24,765 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Westwood depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Westwood homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,065 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-11,050 |
| 7 years | $-8,542 |
| 9 years | $-6,035 |
| 11 years | $-3,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,020 |
| 15 years | $1,487 |
| 17 years | $3,995 |
| 19 years | $6,502 |
| 21 years | $9,009 |
| 23 years | $11,517 |
| 25 years | $14,024 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwood
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost 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 Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Westwood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Westwood, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Westwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Westwood are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $16,749 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $22,787 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,052 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $35,545 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $42,265 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $49,212 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $56,387 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $63,789 | 11.1 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Westwood, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Westwood 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westwood?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Westwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,149.45 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.