Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dearborn Heights, MI (2024 Update)
- Dearborn Heights Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
- 25-Year Savings: $13,091
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dearborn Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Dearborn Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dearborn Heights it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Dearborn Heights, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,379, or $24,852 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Dearborn Heights based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Dearborn Heights see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Dearborn Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dearborn Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,202 |
| 5 years | $-10,417 |
| 7 years | $-7,633 |
| 9 years | $-4,848 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $721 |
| 15 years | $3,506 |
| 17 years | $6,291 |
| 19 years | $9,075 |
| 21 years | $11,860 |
| 23 years | $14,645 |
| 25 years | $17,429 |
Top Solar Installers in Dearborn Heights
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Dearborn Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dearborn Heights
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Dearborn Heights is $17,379, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Dearborn Heights, one of the most crucial 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dearborn Heights to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Dearborn Heights, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $6,913 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,672 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,658 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,872 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,313 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,981 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,877 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,000 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Dearborn Heights, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dearborn Heights?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Dearborn Heights?
Solar panels aren’t free in Dearborn Heights, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.