Solar Panel Cost Guide in Utica, MI (2024 Update)
- Utica Solar Installation Cost: $17,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,167
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Utica
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Utica.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Utica, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Utica is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,270 for a solar installation, or $24,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Utica for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Utica
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,878 |
| 3 years | $-13,093 |
| 5 years | $-10,308 |
| 7 years | $-7,524 |
| 9 years | $-4,739 |
| 11 years | $-1,954 |
| 13 years | $830 |
| 15 years | $3,615 |
| 17 years | $6,400 |
| 19 years | $9,185 |
| 21 years | $11,969 |
| 23 years | $14,754 |
| 25 years | $17,539 |
Top Solar Installers in Utica
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Utica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Utica
While the average cost of a solar system in Utica is $17,270, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Utica.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Utica, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Utica to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Utica’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $7,069 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,880 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,918 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $16,184 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,677 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $23,397 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $27,345 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $31,520 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Utica, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Utica, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Utica?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Utica have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.