Solar Panel Cost Guide in Appleton, WI (2023 Update)
- Appleton Solar Installation Cost: $13,158
- 25-Year Savings: $23,063
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Appleton
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Appleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Appleton it's 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,159 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Appleton find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Appleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,037 |
| 3 years | $-12,796 |
| 5 years | $-12,555 |
| 7 years | $-12,313 |
| 9 years | $-12,072 |
| 11 years | $-11,830 |
| 13 years | $-11,589 |
| 15 years | $-11,347 |
| 17 years | $-11,106 |
| 19 years | $-10,864 |
| 21 years | $-10,623 |
| 23 years | $-10,381 |
| 25 years | $-10,140 |
Top Solar Installers in Appleton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Appleton:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Appleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,600. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Appleton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Appleton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Appleton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 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?
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.