Solar Panel Cost Guide in Comstock Northwest, MI (2024 Update)
- Comstock Northwest Solar Installation Cost: $17,318
- 25-Year Savings: $21,176
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Comstock Northwest
We break down average solar pricing in Comstock Northwest.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Comstock Northwest it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Comstock Northwest, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,318, or $24,765 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Comstock Northwest depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Comstock Northwest can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Comstock Northwest for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Comstock Northwest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,065 |
| 3 years | $-13,557 |
| 5 years | $-11,050 |
| 7 years | $-8,542 |
| 9 years | $-6,035 |
| 11 years | $-3,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,020 |
| 15 years | $1,487 |
| 17 years | $3,995 |
| 19 years | $6,502 |
| 21 years | $9,009 |
| 23 years | $11,517 |
| 25 years | $14,024 |
Top Solar Installers in Comstock Northwest
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Comstock Northwest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Comstock Northwest
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just 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 solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Comstock Northwest, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Comstock Northwest, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Comstock Northwest are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $14,918 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,346 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,000 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $31,883 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $37,992 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,329 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $50,893 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $57,685 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's Comstock Northwest, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Comstock Northwest?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Comstock Northwest have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.