Solar Panel Cost Guide in Comstock, MI (2023 Update)
- Comstock Solar Installation Cost: $11,979
- 25-Year Savings: $20,653
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Comstock
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Comstock.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Comstock it's 2.81 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Comstock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,674 |
| 3 years | $-8,063 |
| 5 years | $-5,453 |
| 7 years | $-2,842 |
| 9 years | $-231 |
| 11 years | $2,379 |
| 13 years | $4,990 |
| 15 years | $7,600 |
| 17 years | $10,211 |
| 19 years | $12,822 |
| 21 years | $15,432 |
| 23 years | $18,043 |
| 25 years | $20,653 |
Top Solar Installers in Comstock
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Comstock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Comstock
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Comstock: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Comstock, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type 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 often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Comstock to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Comstock, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $19,856 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $26,790 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $33,881 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $41,129 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $48,535 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $56,098 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $63,818 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $71,696 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Comstock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Comstock, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Comstock?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Comstock?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
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 energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.