Solar Panel Cost Guide in Center, WI (2024 Update)
- Center Solar Installation Cost: $19,712
- 25-Year Savings: $25,125
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Center
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Center.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Center it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Center, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,712, or $28,188 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Center, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,416 |
| 3 years | $-15,825 |
| 5 years | $-13,234 |
| 7 years | $-10,643 |
| 9 years | $-8,052 |
| 11 years | $-5,461 |
| 13 years | $-2,870 |
| 15 years | $-279 |
| 17 years | $2,312 |
| 19 years | $4,903 |
| 21 years | $7,494 |
| 23 years | $10,085 |
| 25 years | $12,676 |
Top Solar Installers in Center
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,880 per kilowatt in Center.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Center offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Center is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,743 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,092 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $25,659 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $31,442 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $37,443 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $43,661 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $50,097 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $56,749 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Center, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Center?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Center?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Center. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.