Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brown Deer, WI (2023 Update)
- Brown Deer Solar Installation Cost: $12,497
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brown Deer
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Brown Deer.
The average cost of a solar system in Brown Deer is 2.6 per watt. The average Brown Deer homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,503 with the federal tax credit, or $17,879 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Brown Deer based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brown Deer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,202 |
| 3 years | $-8,611 |
| 5 years | $-6,020 |
| 7 years | $-3,429 |
| 9 years | $-838 |
| 11 years | $1,753 |
| 13 years | $4,344 |
| 15 years | $6,935 |
| 17 years | $9,526 |
| 19 years | $12,117 |
| 21 years | $14,708 |
| 23 years | $17,299 |
| 25 years | $19,890 |
Top Solar Installers in Brown Deer
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Brown Deer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brown Deer
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brown Deer average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Brown Deer offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Brown Deer'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 pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $24,270 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $32,652 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $41,179 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $49,851 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $58,669 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $67,633 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $76,743 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $85,998 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Brown Deer, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Brown Deer, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brown Deer?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 household 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.