Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fenton, MI (2024 Update)
- Fenton Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $17,949
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fenton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fenton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fenton it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,718 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Fenton can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Fenton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fenton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,464 |
| 3 years | $-13,957 |
| 5 years | $-11,449 |
| 7 years | $-8,942 |
| 9 years | $-6,434 |
| 11 years | $-3,927 |
| 13 years | $-1,420 |
| 15 years | $1,088 |
| 17 years | $3,595 |
| 19 years | $6,103 |
| 21 years | $8,610 |
| 23 years | $11,117 |
| 25 years | $13,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Fenton
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Fenton, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fenton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fenton
There are several criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $4,060 per kilowatt in Fenton.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fenton, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fenton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $11,343 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $15,578 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $20,041 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $24,732 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $29,649 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $34,795 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $40,167 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $45,767 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Fenton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fenton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fenton is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Fenton?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.