Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, WI (2024 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $18,946
- 25-Year Savings: $28,078
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bristol.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bristol it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $18,946 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bristol can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,650 |
| 3 years | $-15,059 |
| 5 years | $-12,468 |
| 7 years | $-9,877 |
| 9 years | $-7,286 |
| 11 years | $-4,695 |
| 13 years | $-2,104 |
| 15 years | $487 |
| 17 years | $3,078 |
| 19 years | $5,669 |
| 21 years | $8,260 |
| 23 years | $10,851 |
| 25 years | $13,441 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component 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 in Bristol:
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 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 Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bristol is $18,946, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bristol to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $18,123 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $24,598 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $31,291 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $38,201 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $45,328 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $52,673 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $60,235 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $68,014 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 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 Bristol, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bristol?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,169.02 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.