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:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Lake
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in White Lake.
The average cost of a solar system in White Lake 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 numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in White Lake can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in White Lake for a quote for your home.
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
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in White Lake, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like White Lake, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in White Lake to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in White Lake, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering 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
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:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
EcoWatch's White Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Lake?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in White Lake?
You can’t get solar panels for free in White Lake. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does White Lake have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
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.