Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northville, MI (Mar 2023)
- Northville Solar Installation Cost: $12,038
- 25-Year Savings: $13,082
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northville
We break down average solar pricing in Northville.
In Northville, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,038 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Northville can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Northville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Northville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,033 |
| 3 years | $-9,024 |
| 5 years | $-7,014 |
| 7 years | $-5,005 |
| 9 years | $-2,995 |
| 11 years | $-985 |
| 13 years | $1,024 |
| 15 years | $3,034 |
| 17 years | $5,043 |
| 19 years | $7,053 |
| 21 years | $9,063 |
| 23 years | $11,072 |
| 25 years | $13,082 |
Top Solar Installers in Northville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Northville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Northville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Northville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you 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 consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Northville is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,373 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,812 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,408 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,162 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,073 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,141 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,367 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,750 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Northville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Northville, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Northville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Northville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.