Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Lake, MI (2024 Update)

  • White Lake 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 February 03, 2024

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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 White Lake

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in White Lake.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in White Lake, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in White Lake is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,556 for a solar installation, or $25,105 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average White Lake homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in White Lake

Year Return 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 White Lake

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in White Lake, optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 White Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Lake

The cost of installing a solar system in White Lake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the White Lake average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many White Lake homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering 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 installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in White Lake, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 $4.22 $17,734 $6,665 18.2 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,341 17.8 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,245 17.5 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $15,376 17.1 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $18,734 16.8 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $22,320 16.4 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $26,133 16.1 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $30,174 15.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 White Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Lake?

The average cost of solar panels in White Lake is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in White Lake?

Solar panels aren’t free in White Lake, 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 you can take advantage of.

Does White Lake have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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