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 generally 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.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Howell find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Howell for a quote for your home.
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
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Howell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howell
There are many factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Howell, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Howell homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that provides 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 company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Howell, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Howell?
The average cost of solar panels in Howell 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Howell?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Howell, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Howell have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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?
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 higher 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.