Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howard, MI (2024 Update)
- Howard Solar Installation Cost: $17,042
- 25-Year Savings: $18,311
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howard
We break down average solar pricing in Howard.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Howard it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Howard is around 6.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,042 for a solar installation, or $24,370 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Howard can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Howard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,810 |
| 3 years | $-13,346 |
| 5 years | $-10,883 |
| 7 years | $-8,419 |
| 9 years | $-5,956 |
| 11 years | $-3,492 |
| 13 years | $-1,029 |
| 15 years | $1,435 |
| 17 years | $3,898 |
| 19 years | $6,362 |
| 21 years | $8,825 |
| 23 years | $11,289 |
| 25 years | $13,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Howard
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Howard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howard
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Howard: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,060. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Howard to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Howard, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 lower 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 | $12,390 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,974 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $21,786 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $26,825 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,092 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,586 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $43,307 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $49,256 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's Howard, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Howard?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Howard?
Solar panels aren’t free in Howard, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,004.12 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Howard?
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 larger amount 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.