Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteford, MI (Mar 2023)
- Whiteford Solar Installation Cost: $11,822
- 25-Year Savings: $18,799
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteford
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Whiteford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whiteford, the average cost of solar panels is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Whiteford is around 6.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,822 for a solar installation, or $16,905 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Whiteford find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Whiteford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whiteford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,597 |
| 3 years | $-8,147 |
| 5 years | $-5,697 |
| 7 years | $-3,248 |
| 9 years | $-798 |
| 11 years | $1,652 |
| 13 years | $4,101 |
| 15 years | $6,551 |
| 17 years | $9,001 |
| 19 years | $11,450 |
| 21 years | $13,900 |
| 23 years | $16,350 |
| 25 years | $18,799 |
Top Solar Installers in Whiteford
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Whiteford:
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 Whiteford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whiteford
The cost of installing a solar system in Whiteford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Whiteford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Whiteford, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $18,313 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $24,732 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $31,309 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $38,042 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $44,934 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $51,982 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $59,188 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $66,551 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Whiteford, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whiteford?
The average cost of solar panels in Whiteford is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Whiteford is currently $177,261, so you can expect a value of about $7,268 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Whiteford is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.