Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cudahy, WI (2023 Update)
- Cudahy Solar Installation Cost: $12,503
- 25-Year Savings: $28,270
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cudahy
We break down average solar pricing in Cudahy.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cudahy typically cost around 2.6. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cudahy, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,503, or $17,879 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Cudahy depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Cudahy can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Cudahy, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cudahy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,872 |
| 3 years | $-7,611 |
| 5 years | $-4,349 |
| 7 years | $-1,087 |
| 9 years | $2,175 |
| 11 years | $5,437 |
| 13 years | $8,699 |
| 15 years | $11,960 |
| 17 years | $15,222 |
| 19 years | $18,484 |
| 21 years | $21,746 |
| 23 years | $25,008 |
| 25 years | $28,270 |
Top Solar Installers in Cudahy
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap 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 due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Cudahy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cudahy
For many Cudahy homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cudahy, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Cudahy homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 a lot of companies to choose from in Cudahy, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Cudahy, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cudahy?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cudahy?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
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 Cudahy is currently $152,900, so you can expect a value of about $6,269 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cudahy is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher level 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.