Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteford, MI (2024 Update)
- Whiteford Solar Installation Cost: $17,071
- 25-Year Savings: $18,806
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Whiteford.
The average cost of a solar system in Whiteford is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Whiteford, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,071, or $24,412 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Whiteford based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Whiteford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whiteford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,817 |
| 3 years | $-13,310 |
| 5 years | $-10,802 |
| 7 years | $-8,295 |
| 9 years | $-5,788 |
| 11 years | $-3,280 |
| 13 years | $-773 |
| 15 years | $1,735 |
| 17 years | $4,242 |
| 19 years | $6,749 |
| 21 years | $9,257 |
| 23 years | $11,764 |
| 25 years | $14,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Whiteford
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Whiteford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Whiteford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,853 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,592 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,559 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,752 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $33,174 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $38,822 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $44,698 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $50,801 | 12.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Whiteford?
The average cost of solar panels in Whiteford is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Whiteford?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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.