Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodhaven, MI (2023 Update)
- Woodhaven Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodhaven
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Woodhaven.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Woodhaven it's 2.81 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Woodhaven, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,038, or $17,214 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Woodhaven can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodhaven
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,033 |
| 3 years | $-9,024 |
| 5 years | $-7,014 |
| 7 years | $-5,005 |
| 9 years | $-2,995 |
| 11 years | $-985 |
| 13 years | $1,024 |
| 15 years | $3,034 |
| 17 years | $5,043 |
| 19 years | $7,053 |
| 21 years | $9,063 |
| 23 years | $11,072 |
| 25 years | $13,082 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodhaven
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Woodhaven
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodhaven
Though the average cost of a solar system in Woodhaven is $12,038, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Woodhaven, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Woodhaven average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Woodhaven have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Woodhaven's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,812 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,408 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,162 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,073 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,141 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,367 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,750 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Woodhaven, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly 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 Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Woodhaven, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodhaven?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Woodhaven?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.