Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nottawa, MI (Mar 2023)
- Nottawa Solar Installation Cost: $11,959
- 25-Year Savings: $21,722
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nottawa
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Nottawa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Nottawa it's 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Nottawa, the average price of going solar will be about $11,959 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Nottawa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,612 |
| 3 years | $-7,918 |
| 5 years | $-5,223 |
| 7 years | $-2,529 |
| 9 years | $166 |
| 11 years | $2,860 |
| 13 years | $5,555 |
| 15 years | $8,249 |
| 17 years | $10,944 |
| 19 years | $13,638 |
| 21 years | $16,333 |
| 23 years | $19,027 |
| 25 years | $21,722 |
Top Solar Installers in Nottawa
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Nottawa, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Nottawa:
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Nottawa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Nottawa. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, 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 a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Nottawa, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Nottawa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 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: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 opt for.
- Contract: When reading through 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.
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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Nottawa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Does Nottawa have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.