Solar Panel Cost Guide in Appleton, WI (2024 Update)
- Appleton Solar Installation Cost: $19,636
- 25-Year Savings: $23,063
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Appleton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Appleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Appleton it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Appleton, the average price of going solar will be about $19,636 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Appleton based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Appleton see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Appleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,341 |
| 3 years | $-15,750 |
| 5 years | $-13,159 |
| 7 years | $-10,568 |
| 9 years | $-7,977 |
| 11 years | $-5,386 |
| 13 years | $-2,795 |
| 15 years | $-204 |
| 17 years | $2,387 |
| 19 years | $4,978 |
| 21 years | $7,569 |
| 23 years | $10,160 |
| 25 years | $12,751 |
Top Solar Installers in Appleton
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Appleton:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Appleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Appleton
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Appleton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Appleton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually 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 extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $13,112 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,917 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,940 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,180 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,637 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,311 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,203 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,312 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Appleton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Appleton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to 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 property 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Appleton?
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 after having 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.