Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, MI (2023 Update)
- Westwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,986
- 25-Year Savings: $23,036
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Westwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westwood, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Westwood homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Westwood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,733 |
| 3 years | $-8,225 |
| 5 years | $-5,718 |
| 7 years | $-3,210 |
| 9 years | $-703 |
| 11 years | $1,804 |
| 13 years | $4,312 |
| 15 years | $6,819 |
| 17 years | $9,327 |
| 19 years | $11,834 |
| 21 years | $14,341 |
| 23 years | $16,849 |
| 25 years | $19,356 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwood
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Westwood, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
There are a number of criteria 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Westwood. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Westwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Westwood homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Westwood homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Westwood, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $22,209 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,927 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,802 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,835 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $54,025 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $62,372 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $70,877 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $79,539 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 $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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westwood?
Solar panels aren't free in Westwood, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Westwood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 keep using 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.