Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitmore Lake, MI (2023 Update)
- Whitmore Lake Solar Installation Cost: $12,117
- 25-Year Savings: $13,003
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitmore Lake
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Whitmore Lake.
In Whitmore Lake, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $12,117 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Whitmore Lake find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitmore Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,112 |
| 3 years | $-9,102 |
| 5 years | $-7,093 |
| 7 years | $-5,083 |
| 9 years | $-3,074 |
| 11 years | $-1,064 |
| 13 years | $946 |
| 15 years | $2,955 |
| 17 years | $4,965 |
| 19 years | $6,974 |
| 21 years | $8,984 |
| 23 years | $10,993 |
| 25 years | $13,003 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitmore Lake
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Whitmore Lake, we've 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 Whitmore Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitmore Lake
For many Whitmore Lake homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Whitmore Lake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 around $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Whitmore Lake, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Whitmore Lake to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Whitmore Lake, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,202 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,585 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,124 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $25,821 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,676 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,687 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $40,856 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,183 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Whitmore Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Whitmore Lake, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitmore Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Whitmore Lake?
You can't get solar panels for free in Whitmore Lake. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.