Solar Panel Cost Guide in Germantown, WI (2024 Update)
- Germantown Solar Installation Cost: $19,492
- 25-Year Savings: $12,895
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Germantown
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Germantown.
The average cost of solar panels in Germantown is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Germantown is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,492 for a solar installation, or $27,874 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Germantown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Germantown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,196 |
| 3 years | $-15,605 |
| 5 years | $-13,014 |
| 7 years | $-10,423 |
| 9 years | $-7,832 |
| 11 years | $-5,242 |
| 13 years | $-2,651 |
| 15 years | $-60 |
| 17 years | $2,531 |
| 19 years | $5,122 |
| 21 years | $7,713 |
| 23 years | $10,304 |
| 25 years | $12,895 |
Top Solar Installers in Germantown
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Germantown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Germantown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Germantown is $19,492, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 about $3,880. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Germantown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Germantown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $17,140 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $23,288 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $29,653 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $36,235 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $43,035 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $50,052 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $57,286 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $64,738 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Germantown, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Germantown?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Germantown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Germantown. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Germantown have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get 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 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 install 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.