Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown, MI (2024 Update)
- Watertown Solar Installation Cost: $17,559
- 25-Year Savings: $21,385
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watertown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Watertown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Watertown, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Watertown, the average price of going solar will be about $17,559 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Watertown find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Watertown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,305 |
| 3 years | $-13,798 |
| 5 years | $-11,290 |
| 7 years | $-8,783 |
| 9 years | $-6,276 |
| 11 years | $-3,768 |
| 13 years | $-1,261 |
| 15 years | $1,247 |
| 17 years | $3,754 |
| 19 years | $6,261 |
| 21 years | $8,769 |
| 23 years | $11,276 |
| 25 years | $13,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Watertown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Watertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Watertown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Watertown to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost 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
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Watertown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $14,835 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,235 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $25,862 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,716 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,798 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,107 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,644 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,408 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Watertown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watertown?
The average cost of solar panels in Watertown is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Watertown?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.