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
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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 solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cedarburg is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,679 for a solar installation, or $26,711 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Cedarburg depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Cedarburg for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cedarburg
| Year | Return 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 switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Cedarburg, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Cedarburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cedarburg
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Cedarburg, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of 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. However, 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 Cedarburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cedarburg to be too 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 in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cedarburg, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $15,619 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,259 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,118 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $33,193 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $39,486 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $45,995 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $52,723 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $59,667 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Cedarburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cedarburg. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for 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 exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cedarburg is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Cedarburg?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.