Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howard, MI (2024 Update)
- Howard Solar Installation Cost: $17,042
- 25-Year Savings: $18,311
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howard
We break down average solar pricing in Howard.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Howard it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.0-kW system would cost about $17,042 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Howard based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Howard can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Howard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,810 |
| 3 years | $-13,346 |
| 5 years | $-10,883 |
| 7 years | $-8,419 |
| 9 years | $-5,956 |
| 11 years | $-3,492 |
| 13 years | $-1,029 |
| 15 years | $1,435 |
| 17 years | $3,898 |
| 19 years | $6,362 |
| 21 years | $8,825 |
| 23 years | $11,289 |
| 25 years | $13,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Howard
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Howard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howard
For many Howard homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Howard, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Howard average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Howard provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Howard, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,390 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $16,974 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $21,786 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $26,825 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,092 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $37,586 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $43,307 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $49,256 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure 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 considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Howard, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Howard?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Howard?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Howard, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Howard, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 long do solar panels last in Howard?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.