Solar Panel Cost Guide in Germantown, WI (2025 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.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Germantown, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,492, or $27,874 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Germantown homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Germantown find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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 be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Germantown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Germantown
Although the average cost of a solar system in Germantown is $19,492, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Germantown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment 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 Germantown to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Germantown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Germantown, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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.
EcoWatch's Germantown, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Germantown?
The average cost of solar panels in Germantown 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for 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 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 energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.