Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delavan, WI (2023 Update)

  • Delavan Solar Installation Cost: $13,114
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,134
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Delavan

We break down average solar pricing in Delavan.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Delavan generally cost around 2.6. The average Delavan homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,122 with the federal tax credit, or $18,764 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Delavan homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Delavan, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Delavan

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,819
3 years $-9,228
5 years $-6,637
7 years $-4,046
9 years $-1,455
11 years $1,136
13 years $3,727
15 years $6,318
17 years $8,909
19 years $11,500
21 years $14,091
23 years $16,682
25 years $19,273

Top Solar Installers in Delavan

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Delavan, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Delavan

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delavan

The cost of installing a solar system in Delavan can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,600. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Delavan, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Delavan, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Delavan, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $18,827 9.4 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $25,393 9.2 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $32,106 9.0 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $38,964 8.9 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $45,967 8.7 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $53,116 8.5 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $60,411 8.3 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $67,851 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Delavan, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Delavan?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Delavan?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Is it worth going solar in Delavan?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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