Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Howell. A solar panel array can help you add value to your property, decrease your carbon footprint, and provide a dependable source of power. Transitioning to solar energy can lower your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you get started, you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most reliable solar installation companies in Howell. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and reliable services.
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, while solar contractors technically don't need a license by the letter of the law, workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor.
Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have hardly any reviews or mostly negative ones.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. The quotes should describe all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the option that aligns with your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees show that a solar company believes in its work.
Installing solar panels can help lower your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
In Howell, solar panels cost an average of $4,060 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.2 kilowatts. The typical Howell homeowner spends $17,582 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's panel type, required preliminary work, size, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer leasing solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Appliances
Washing Machine: $25 - $50
WiFi Enabled Thermostat: $50 - $100
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Dehumidifier: $20
Pool Pump: $350
Refrigetor/Freezer Recyclilng: $50
Room Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier Recycling: $15
Heating & Cooling
Split System Central AC: $50 - $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250
Ground Source Heat Pump: $200 - $300
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $350
ECM Motor: $50
Thermostat: $10 - $100
Central AC Tune-Up: $50
Windows & Insulation
Roof Insulation: $50 - $200
Wall Insulation: $50 - $125
Crawlspace Insulation: $10 - $50
Rim Joist Insulation: $20 - $50
Window Replacement: $15/window
Patio Door Replacement: $40/door
Lighting
Varies
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.
Of course. Howell uses an equal mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will lower your home's emissions and provide cost savings, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Howell amount to $1,141.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Howell with moderate sunlight, the period could last 15.4 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to supply you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
The answer ultimately depends on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
