Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whiteford, MI (2024 Update)
- Whiteford Solar Installation Cost: $17,071
- 25-Year Savings: $18,806
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whiteford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Whiteford.
In Whiteford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Whiteford, most homeowners require a 6.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,071, or $24,412 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Whiteford homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Whiteford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,817 |
| 3 years | $-13,310 |
| 5 years | $-10,802 |
| 7 years | $-8,295 |
| 9 years | $-5,788 |
| 11 years | $-3,280 |
| 13 years | $-773 |
| 15 years | $1,735 |
| 17 years | $4,242 |
| 19 years | $6,749 |
| 21 years | $9,257 |
| 23 years | $11,764 |
| 25 years | $14,272 |
Top Solar Installers in Whiteford
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Whiteford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whiteford
There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Whiteford, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Whiteford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Whiteford are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,853 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,592 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,559 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,752 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $33,174 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $38,822 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $44,698 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $50,801 | 12.5 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Whiteford, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whiteford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Whiteford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of 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 needs 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 house 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.