Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howell, MI (2024 Update)
- Howell Solar Installation Cost: $17,582
- 25-Year Savings: $16,346
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howell
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Howell.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Howell typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.2-kW system would cost about $17,582 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Howell find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Howell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,282 |
| 3 years | $-13,682 |
| 5 years | $-11,082 |
| 7 years | $-8,482 |
| 9 years | $-5,883 |
| 11 years | $-3,283 |
| 13 years | $-683 |
| 15 years | $1,917 |
| 17 years | $4,517 |
| 19 years | $7,116 |
| 21 years | $9,716 |
| 23 years | $12,316 |
| 25 years | $14,916 |
Top Solar Installers in Howell
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Howell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howell
For many Howell homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Howell, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Howell, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,060 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Howell, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $4.22 | $17,734 | $9,921 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $13,683 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $17,672 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $21,889 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $26,332 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $31,004 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $35,902 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $41,028 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and 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.
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 Howell, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Howell?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Howell?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Howell. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Howell have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.