Solar Panel Cost Guide in Courtland, MI (Mar 2023)
- Courtland Solar Installation Cost: $12,156
- 25-Year Savings: $22,348
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Courtland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Courtland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Courtland, the average cost of a solar system is 2.81 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Courtland is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,156 for a solar installation, or $17,383 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Courtland find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Courtland for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Courtland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,776 |
| 3 years | $-8,016 |
| 5 years | $-5,255 |
| 7 years | $-2,495 |
| 9 years | $266 |
| 11 years | $3,026 |
| 13 years | $5,786 |
| 15 years | $8,547 |
| 17 years | $11,307 |
| 19 years | $14,067 |
| 21 years | $16,828 |
| 23 years | $19,588 |
| 25 years | $22,348 |
Top Solar Installers in Courtland
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Courtland, we've organized 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 Courtland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Courtland
There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Courtland, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Courtland to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Courtland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 companies.
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 | $21,249 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,647 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $36,202 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,915 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,785 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,812 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,997 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $76,339 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Courtland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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 quality 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 Courtland, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Courtland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Courtland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Courtland. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Courtland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.