Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howell, MI (2023 Update)
- Howell Solar Installation Cost: $12,169
- 25-Year Savings: $16,346
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howell
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Howell.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Howell generally cost around 2.81. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Howell, the average price of going solar will be about $12,176 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Howell homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Howell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Howell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,869 |
| 3 years | $-8,269 |
| 5 years | $-5,669 |
| 7 years | $-3,069 |
| 9 years | $-470 |
| 11 years | $2,130 |
| 13 years | $4,730 |
| 15 years | $7,330 |
| 17 years | $9,930 |
| 19 years | $12,530 |
| 21 years | $15,129 |
| 23 years | $17,729 |
| 25 years | $20,329 |
Top Solar Installers in Howell
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 rests on 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 few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,810 per kilowatt in Howell. 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 often come at a higher price 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Howell, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Howell is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Howell are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $15,381 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $20,823 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,422 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,179 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $38,092 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $44,164 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $50,392 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $56,778 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Howell is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Howell?
Solar panels aren'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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $921.84 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.