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

  • Trenton Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,429
  • Payback Period: 17.3 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Trenton

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Trenton.

In Trenton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Trenton is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,379 for a solar installation, or $24,852 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Trenton can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Trenton

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 Trenton

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Trenton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Trenton

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Trenton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Trenton average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Trenton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Trenton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Trenton, MI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Trenton 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Trenton?

Solar panels aren’t free in Trenton, 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 can help lower the cost.

Does Trenton have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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