Solar Panel Cost Guide in Germantown, WI (2023 Update)
- Germantown Solar Installation Cost: $13,068
- 25-Year Savings: $27,705
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Germantown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Germantown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Germantown it's 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Germantown, the average price of going solar will be about $13,068 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Germantown see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Germantown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Germantown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,437 |
| 3 years | $-8,175 |
| 5 years | $-4,913 |
| 7 years | $-1,651 |
| 9 years | $1,611 |
| 11 years | $4,873 |
| 13 years | $8,134 |
| 15 years | $11,396 |
| 17 years | $14,658 |
| 19 years | $17,920 |
| 21 years | $21,182 |
| 23 years | $24,444 |
| 25 years | $27,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Germantown
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Germantown, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Germantown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Germantown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Germantown is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $22,731 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,599 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,613 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,772 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $55,077 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $63,528 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $72,124 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,866 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Germantown is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Germantown?
Solar panels aren't free in Germantown, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Germantown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.