Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brookfield, WI (Mar 2023)
- Brookfield Solar Installation Cost: $13,140
- 25-Year Savings: $27,633
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brookfield
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Brookfield.
In Brookfield, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Brookfield, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,140, or $18,790 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brookfield homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Brookfield homeowner can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Brookfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,509 |
| 3 years | $-8,248 |
| 5 years | $-4,986 |
| 7 years | $-1,724 |
| 9 years | $1,538 |
| 11 years | $4,800 |
| 13 years | $8,062 |
| 15 years | $11,323 |
| 17 years | $14,585 |
| 19 years | $17,847 |
| 21 years | $21,109 |
| 23 years | $24,371 |
| 25 years | $27,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Brookfield
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel 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 Brookfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brookfield
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brookfield is $13,140, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,600 per kilowatt in Brookfield. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brookfield to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Brookfield, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $22,506 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,300 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,239 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,323 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $54,553 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $62,929 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $71,450 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,117 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer'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 the company going out of business.
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 Brookfield, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brookfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Brookfield is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.