Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooks, MI (2024 Update)
- Brooks Solar Installation Cost: $17,669
- 25-Year Savings: $21,789
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brooks
We break down average solar pricing in Brooks.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brooks generally cost about 4.The average Brooks homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,669 with the federal tax credit, or $25,267 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Brooks can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Brooks for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Brooks
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-16,415 |
3 years | $-13,908 |
5 years | $-11,400 |
7 years | $-8,893 |
9 years | $-6,386 |
11 years | $-3,878 |
13 years | $-1,371 |
15 years | $1,137 |
17 years | $3,644 |
19 years | $6,151 |
21 years | $8,659 |
23 years | $11,166 |
25 years | $13,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Brooks
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Brooks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brooks
For many Brooks homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brooks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $4,060. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Brooks, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 | $15,096 | 13.5 years |
8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,583 | 13.2 years |
10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,297 | 13.0 years |
12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,239 | 12.7 years |
14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,408 | 12.5 years |
16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,804 | 12.2 years |
18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,427 | 11.9 years |
20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,278 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
EcoWatch's Brooks, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brooks?
The average cost of solar panels in Brooks 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brooks?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Brooks?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.