Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton Heights, MI (2024 Update)
- Benton Heights Solar Installation Cost: $16,836
- 25-Year Savings: $18,308
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton Heights
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Benton Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Benton Heights typically cost about 4.Because a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Benton Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $16,836 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Benton Heights depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Benton Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benton Heights
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,611 |
3 years | $-13,163 |
5 years | $-10,714 |
7 years | $-8,265 |
9 years | $-5,816 |
11 years | $-3,367 |
13 years | $-918 |
15 years | $1,531 |
17 years | $3,979 |
19 years | $6,428 |
21 years | $8,877 |
23 years | $11,326 |
25 years | $13,775 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton Heights
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Benton Heights, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Benton Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton Heights
For many Benton Heights homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Benton Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $4,060 per kilowatt in Benton Heights.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Benton Heights, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.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 fit into 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,611 | 14.6 years |
8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,269 | 14.3 years |
10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,155 | 14.0 years |
12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,268 | 13.8 years |
14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,608 | 13.5 years |
16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $38,176 | 13.2 years |
18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $43,971 | 12.9 years |
20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $49,994 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Benton Heights, 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: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Benton Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Benton Heights is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Benton Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Benton Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.