Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chesterfield, MI (2024 Update)

  • Chesterfield Solar Installation Cost: $17,270
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,167
  • Payback Period: 17.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chesterfield

We break down average solar pricing in Chesterfield.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chesterfield generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Chesterfield, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,270, or $24,696 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chesterfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Chesterfield for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Chesterfield

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,878
3 years $-13,093
5 years $-10,308
7 years $-7,524
9 years $-4,739
11 years $-1,954
13 years $830
15 years $3,615
17 years $6,400
19 years $9,185
21 years $11,969
23 years $14,754
25 years $17,539

Top Solar Installers in Chesterfield

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Chesterfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chesterfield

The cost of installing a solar system in Chesterfield can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Chesterfield, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating 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

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Chesterfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 $7,069 17.9 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $9,880 17.5 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $12,918 17.2 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $16,184 16.8 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $19,677 16.5 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $23,397 16.2 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $27,345 15.8 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $31,520 15.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Chesterfield, 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. 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 deciding.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • 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.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Chesterfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chesterfield?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

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 cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chesterfield, 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 contact 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?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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