Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteford, MI (2023 Update)
- Whiteford Solar Installation Cost: $11,815
- 25-Year Savings: $18,806
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteford
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Whiteford.
The average cost of a solar system in Whiteford 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Whiteford homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Whiteford homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whiteford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,561 |
| 3 years | $-8,054 |
| 5 years | $-5,547 |
| 7 years | $-3,039 |
| 9 years | $-532 |
| 11 years | $1,976 |
| 13 years | $4,483 |
| 15 years | $6,990 |
| 17 years | $9,498 |
| 19 years | $12,005 |
| 21 years | $14,513 |
| 23 years | $17,020 |
| 25 years | $19,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Whiteford
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Whiteford, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Whiteford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Whiteford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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 solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Whiteford is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 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?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 household 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.