Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bristol, WI (2023 Update)
- Bristol Solar Installation Cost: $12,704
- 25-Year Savings: $28,069
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bristol
We break down average solar pricing in Bristol.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bristol it's 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bristol, the average price of going solar will be about $12,704 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Bristol, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bristol
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,073 |
| 3 years | $-7,811 |
| 5 years | $-4,549 |
| 7 years | $-1,287 |
| 9 years | $1,975 |
| 11 years | $5,237 |
| 13 years | $8,498 |
| 15 years | $11,760 |
| 17 years | $15,022 |
| 19 years | $18,284 |
| 21 years | $21,546 |
| 23 years | $24,808 |
| 25 years | $28,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Bristol
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bristol
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bristol
The cost of installing a solar system in Bristol 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Bristol, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bristol, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bristol to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bristol, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $23,714 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $31,910 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $40,251 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $48,738 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $57,370 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $66,149 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $75,072 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $84,142 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Bristol, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bristol?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bristol?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bristol, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bristol?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.