Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nottawa, MI (2023 Update)
- Nottawa Solar Installation Cost: $11,965
- 25-Year Savings: $21,716
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nottawa
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Nottawa.
In Nottawa, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Nottawa, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,959, or $17,101 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Nottawa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Nottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,711 |
| 3 years | $-8,204 |
| 5 years | $-5,696 |
| 7 years | $-3,189 |
| 9 years | $-682 |
| 11 years | $1,826 |
| 13 years | $4,333 |
| 15 years | $6,840 |
| 17 years | $9,348 |
| 19 years | $11,855 |
| 21 years | $14,363 |
| 23 years | $16,870 |
| 25 years | $19,377 |
Top Solar Installers in Nottawa
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
See all of the solar companies in Nottawa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nottawa
There are a number of factors that can affect your total 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 size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,810. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Nottawa, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Nottawa, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Nottawa is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,948 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,246 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,701 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,313 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $51,082 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $59,009 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $67,094 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $75,335 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Nottawa, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nottawa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Nottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Nottawa is currently $120,158, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,926 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Nottawa is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.