Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elm Grove, WI (2024 Update)
- Elm Grove Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
- 25-Year Savings: $27,625
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elm Grove
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Elm Grove.
The average cost of solar panels in Elm Grove is 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Elm Grove, the average price of going solar will be about $19,621 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Elm Grove homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Elm Grove homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Elm Grove, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elm Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,326 |
| 3 years | $-15,735 |
| 5 years | $-13,144 |
| 7 years | $-10,553 |
| 9 years | $-7,962 |
| 11 years | $-5,371 |
| 13 years | $-2,780 |
| 15 years | $-189 |
| 17 years | $2,402 |
| 19 years | $4,993 |
| 21 years | $7,584 |
| 23 years | $10,175 |
| 25 years | $12,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Elm Grove
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Elm Grove, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Elm Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elm Grove
The cost of installing a solar system in Elm Grove can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Elm Grove, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Elm Grove have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Elm Grove homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Elm Grove is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Elm Grove have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $16,915 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $22,988 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $29,279 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $35,786 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $42,511 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $49,453 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $56,613 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $63,989 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Elm Grove, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elm Grove?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Elm Grove?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Does Elm Grove have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.