Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cedarburg, WI (2024 Update)

  • Cedarburg Solar Installation Cost: $18,679
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,812
  • Payback Period: 12.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cedarburg

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Cedarburg.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cedarburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $18,679 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Cedarburg depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Cedarburg homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cedarburg

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-17,383
3 years$-14,792
5 years$-12,201
7 years$-9,610
9 years$-7,019
11 years$-4,428
13 years$-1,837
15 years$754
17 years$3,345
19 years$5,936
21 years$8,527
23 years$11,117
25 years$13,708

Top Solar Installers in Cedarburg

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Cedarburg, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Cedarburg

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedarburg

There are many criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,880 per kilowatt in Cedarburg.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Cedarburg, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Cedarburg, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Cedarburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Cedarburg are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$15,61913.0 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$21,25912.8 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$27,11812.5 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$33,19312.3 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$39,48612.0 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$45,99511.8 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$52,72311.5 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$59,66711.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Cedarburg, 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:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 offerings before deciding.
  • Contract: When looking 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Cedarburg, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cedarburg?

The average cost of solar panels in Cedarburg is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Cedarburg?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Cedarburg, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cedarburg is currently $485,349, which means you could be looking at a value of about $19,899 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cedarburg is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Cedarburg?

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.