Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, MI (2024 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
- 25-Year Savings: $17,227
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
We go over average solar pricing in Brighton.
The average cost of solar panels in Brighton is 4 per watt.Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Brighton, the average price of going solar will be about $17,582 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brighton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,189 |
| 3 years | $-13,405 |
| 5 years | $-10,620 |
| 7 years | $-7,835 |
| 9 years | $-5,051 |
| 11 years | $-2,266 |
| 13 years | $519 |
| 15 years | $3,303 |
| 17 years | $6,088 |
| 19 years | $8,873 |
| 21 years | $11,657 |
| 23 years | $14,442 |
| 25 years | $17,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Brighton is $17,582, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brighton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
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 Brighton is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,629 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,293 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,185 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,304 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $18,650 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,224 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,025 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,053 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Brighton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brighton?
The average cost of solar panels in Brighton 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Brighton have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.