Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cooper, MI (2023 Update)
- Cooper Solar Installation Cost: $11,979
- 25-Year Savings: $22,707
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cooper
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cooper.
In Cooper, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $11,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cooper homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cooper
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,592 |
| 3 years | $-7,817 |
| 5 years | $-5,042 |
| 7 years | $-2,267 |
| 9 years | $508 |
| 11 years | $3,283 |
| 13 years | $6,058 |
| 15 years | $8,833 |
| 17 years | $11,607 |
| 19 years | $14,382 |
| 21 years | $17,157 |
| 23 years | $19,932 |
| 25 years | $22,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Cooper
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Cooper
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cooper
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Cooper: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,810 per kilowatt in Cooper. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cooper average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cooper to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Cooper's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $21,878 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,486 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,251 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,173 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,252 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,489 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $69,884 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,435 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Cooper, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 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 Cooper, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cooper?
The average cost of solar panels in Cooper is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model 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 Cooper?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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.