Solar Panel Cost Guide in Utica, MI (2023 Update)
- Utica Solar Installation Cost: $17,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,167
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Utica
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Utica.
In Utica, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average.The average Utica homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,959 with the federal tax credit, or $17,101 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Utica based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Utica homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Utica that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate 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
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Utica homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Utica, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Utica, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Utica, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Utica homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Utica is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually 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 additional 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 | $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 a large number of companies to choose from in Utica, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Utica?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 home 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.