Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownstown, MI (Mar 2023)
- Brownstown Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $13,770
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownstown
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Brownstown.
The average cost of a solar system in Brownstown is 2.81 per watt. The average Brownstown homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,038 with the federal tax credit, or $17,214 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Brownstown based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Brownstown see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Brownstown for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Brownstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,006 |
| 3 years | $-8,941 |
| 5 years | $-6,876 |
| 7 years | $-4,812 |
| 9 years | $-2,747 |
| 11 years | $-683 |
| 13 years | $1,382 |
| 15 years | $3,447 |
| 17 years | $5,511 |
| 19 years | $7,576 |
| 21 years | $9,641 |
| 23 years | $11,705 |
| 25 years | $13,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownstown
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Brownstown, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Brownstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownstown
While the average cost of a solar system in Brownstown is $12,038, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Brownstown. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Brownstown, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brownstown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Brownstown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $13,048 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,712 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $22,533 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $27,512 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $32,648 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $37,941 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $43,392 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $49,000 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Brownstown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brownstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Brownstown is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Brownstown?
Solar panels aren't free in Brownstown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Brownstown have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.