Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownstown, MI (2024 Update)
- Brownstown Solar Installation Cost: $17,379
- 25-Year Savings: $13,779
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownstown
We break down average solar pricing in Brownstown.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Brownstown is 4 per watt.The average Brownstown homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,379 with the federal tax credit, or $24,852 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brownstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,987 |
| 3 years | $-13,202 |
| 5 years | $-10,417 |
| 7 years | $-7,633 |
| 9 years | $-4,848 |
| 11 years | $-2,063 |
| 13 years | $721 |
| 15 years | $3,506 |
| 17 years | $6,291 |
| 19 years | $9,075 |
| 21 years | $11,860 |
| 23 years | $14,645 |
| 25 years | $17,429 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownstown
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Brownstown:
See all of the solar companies in Brownstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownstown
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brownstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brownstown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Brownstown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $7,588 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $10,572 | 17.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $13,783 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $17,222 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $20,888 | 16.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $24,781 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $28,902 | 15.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $33,250 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Brownstown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownstown?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Brownstown?
Solar panels can be a great 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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Brownstown?
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 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.