Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garfield, MI (2024 Update)
- Garfield Solar Installation Cost: $17,958
- 25-Year Savings: $13,385
- Payback Period: 14.9 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 Garfield
We go over average solar pricing in Garfield.
The average cost of solar panels in Garfield is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Garfield, most homeowners require a 6.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,958, or $25,680 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Garfield depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Garfield find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Garfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,704 |
| 3 years | $-14,197 |
| 5 years | $-11,689 |
| 7 years | $-9,182 |
| 9 years | $-6,675 |
| 11 years | $-4,167 |
| 13 years | $-1,660 |
| 15 years | $848 |
| 17 years | $3,355 |
| 19 years | $5,862 |
| 21 years | $8,370 |
| 23 years | $10,877 |
| 25 years | $13,385 |
Top Solar Installers in Garfield
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Since 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 avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Garfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garfield
Although the average cost of a solar system in Garfield is $17,958, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,060. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Garfield have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Garfield is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $10,870 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,948 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $19,253 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $23,786 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $28,546 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $33,534 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $38,749 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $44,191 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Garfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Garfield, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Garfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Garfield is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Garfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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.