Solar Panel Cost Guide in Comstock Northwest, MI (2023 Update)
- Comstock Northwest Solar Installation Cost: $11,986
- 25-Year Savings: $21,176
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Comstock Northwest
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Comstock Northwest.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Comstock Northwest generally cost about 2.81. The average Comstock Northwest homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,979 with the federal tax credit, or $17,130 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Comstock Northwest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,733 |
| 3 years | $-8,225 |
| 5 years | $-5,718 |
| 7 years | $-3,210 |
| 9 years | $-703 |
| 11 years | $1,804 |
| 13 years | $4,312 |
| 15 years | $6,819 |
| 17 years | $9,327 |
| 19 years | $11,834 |
| 21 years | $14,341 |
| 23 years | $16,849 |
| 25 years | $19,356 |
Top Solar Installers in Comstock Northwest
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Comstock Northwest, we've 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 Comstock Northwest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Comstock Northwest
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel 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 a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation 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 $2,810. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Comstock Northwest homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Comstock Northwest's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $20,378 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $27,486 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $34,750 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $42,173 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $49,752 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $57,489 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $65,383 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $73,435 | 8.1 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good 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 support, 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 Northwest, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Comstock Northwest?
The average cost of solar panels in Comstock Northwest 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Comstock Northwest?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Comstock Northwest is currently $111,008, which means you can look forward to a value of about $4,551 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Comstock Northwest is a fruitful investment.
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 higher level 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.