Solar Panel Cost Guide in French Island, WI (2023 Update)
- French Island Solar Installation Cost: $13,494
- 25-Year Savings: $22,894
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in French Island
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in French Island.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in French Island typically cost about 2.6. The average French Island homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,486 with the federal tax credit, or $19,285 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in French Island based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in French Island that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in French Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,390 |
| 3 years | $-10,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,973 |
| 7 years | $-5,764 |
| 9 years | $-3,556 |
| 11 years | $-1,347 |
| 13 years | $861 |
| 15 years | $3,070 |
| 17 years | $5,278 |
| 19 years | $7,487 |
| 21 years | $9,695 |
| 23 years | $11,904 |
| 25 years | $14,112 |
Top Solar Installers in French Island
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in French Island:
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 French Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in French Island
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar panel 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
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant 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 — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like French Island, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in French Island is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $18,089 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,411 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,877 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,489 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,247 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,151 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,200 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $65,394 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in French Island, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 French Island, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in French Island?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.