Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, MI (Mar 2023)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
- 25-Year Savings: $13,062
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Superior.
In Superior, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,058 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Superior homeowner can save about $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Superior for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-9,043 |
| 5 years | $-7,034 |
| 7 years | $-5,024 |
| 9 years | $-3,015 |
| 11 years | $-1,005 |
| 13 years | $1,005 |
| 15 years | $3,014 |
| 17 years | $5,024 |
| 19 years | $7,033 |
| 21 years | $9,043 |
| 23 years | $11,052 |
| 25 years | $13,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
The cost of installing a solar system in Superior can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Superior, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Superior to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Superior homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Superior, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $12,316 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $16,737 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,314 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,049 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $30,941 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $35,991 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,198 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $46,562 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Superior, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Superior?
The average cost of solar panels in Superior 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Superior have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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 take a 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 install 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.