Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northview, MI (2023 Update)
- Northview Solar Installation Cost: $12,147
- 25-Year Savings: $23,157
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northview
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Northview.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northview it's 2.81 per watt. Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Northview, the average price of going solar will be about $12,156 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northview homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Northview see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Northview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,030 |
| 3 years | $-11,794 |
| 5 years | $-11,559 |
| 7 years | $-11,324 |
| 9 years | $-11,088 |
| 11 years | $-10,853 |
| 13 years | $-10,617 |
| 15 years | $-10,382 |
| 17 years | $-10,147 |
| 19 years | $-9,911 |
| 21 years | $-9,676 |
| 23 years | $-9,441 |
| 25 years | $-9,205 |
Top Solar Installers in Northview
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Northview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northview
Although the average cost of a solar system in Northview is $12,156, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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 $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northview, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Northview to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When figuring out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Northview is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Northview have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $22,027 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $29,683 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $37,498 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $45,469 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $53,598 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $61,885 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $70,328 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $78,929 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Northview, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Northview, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northview?
The average cost of solar panels in Northview is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Northview?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.