Solar Panel Cost Guide in Heath, MI (2024 Update)
- Heath Solar Installation Cost: $16,895
- 25-Year Savings: $22,811
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Heath
We break down average solar pricing in Heath.
The average cost of solar panels in Heath is 4 per watt.Since a 5.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Heath, the average price of going solar will be about $16,895 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Heath based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Heath find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Heath
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,641 |
| 3 years | $-13,133 |
| 5 years | $-10,626 |
| 7 years | $-8,119 |
| 9 years | $-5,611 |
| 11 years | $-3,104 |
| 13 years | $-596 |
| 15 years | $1,911 |
| 17 years | $4,418 |
| 19 years | $6,926 |
| 21 years | $9,433 |
| 23 years | $11,940 |
| 25 years | $14,448 |
Top Solar Installers in Heath
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another benefit of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Heath:
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 Heath
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Heath
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Heath offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Heath, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $17,092 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,244 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,623 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,230 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,064 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,125 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,414 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $64,930 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as 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 Heath, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Heath?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Heath have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.