Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Lake, MI (Mar 2023)
- White Lake Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $12,964
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 typical cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,156 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in White Lake based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in White Lake see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in White Lake that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in White Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,151 |
| 3 years | $-9,142 |
| 5 years | $-7,132 |
| 7 years | $-5,123 |
| 9 years | $-3,113 |
| 11 years | $-1,103 |
| 13 years | $906 |
| 15 years | $2,916 |
| 17 years | $4,925 |
| 19 years | $6,935 |
| 21 years | $8,945 |
| 23 years | $10,954 |
| 25 years | $12,964 |
Top Solar Installers in White Lake
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in White Lake:
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 White Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Lake
While the average cost of a solar system in White Lake is $12,156, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have 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 $2,810. The type of 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the White Lake average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in White Lake, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,125 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,481 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $20,995 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,666 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,494 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,480 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,623 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $45,924 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in White Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 White Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in White Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in White Lake 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in White Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
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 $813.30 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.