Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leighton, MI (2024 Update)
- Leighton 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 Leighton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Leighton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Leighton it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Leighton, most homeowners require a 5.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,895, or $24,160 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Leighton based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leighton
| 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 Leighton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Leighton:
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 Leighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leighton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Leighton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Leighton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Leighton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Leighton is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 companies available in Leighton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Leighton, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leighton?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, 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 consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Leighton is currently $353,052, so you can expect a value of about $14,475 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Leighton is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.