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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brooks, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Brooks homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Brooks see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Brooks for a quote for your home.
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 installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Brooks, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Brooks homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Brooks is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty 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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Brooks, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brooks?
This is a tough 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, 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 Brooks?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Brooks?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.