Solar Panel Cost Guide in Genesee, WI (2024 Update)
- Genesee Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
- 25-Year Savings: $26,845
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Genesee
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Genesee.
The average cost of solar panels in Genesee is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Genesee, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,621, or $28,058 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Genesee can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Genesee
| 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 Genesee
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Genesee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Genesee
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
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 crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Genesee to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Genesee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $16,267 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $22,124 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $28,199 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,490 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,999 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,725 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,668 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,829 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Genesee, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Genesee?
The average cost of solar panels in Genesee is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Genesee?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Genesee?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.