Solar Panel Cost Guide in Appleton, WI (Mar 2023)
- Appleton Solar Installation Cost: $13,159
- 25-Year Savings: $23,063
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Appleton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Appleton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Appleton generally cost around 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Appleton is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,159 for a solar installation, or $18,817 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Appleton depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Appleton homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Appleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,710 |
| 3 years | $-8,812 |
| 5 years | $-5,914 |
| 7 years | $-3,017 |
| 9 years | $-119 |
| 11 years | $2,779 |
| 13 years | $5,676 |
| 15 years | $8,574 |
| 17 years | $11,472 |
| 19 years | $14,370 |
| 21 years | $17,267 |
| 23 years | $20,165 |
| 25 years | $23,063 |
Top Solar Installers in Appleton
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Appleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Appleton
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Appleton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Appleton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Appleton is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,703 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,229 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,900 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,717 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,679 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,787 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $60,041 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $67,440 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Appleton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Appleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Appleton is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Appleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Appleton?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Appleton?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.