Solar Panel Cost Guide in Green Bay, WI (2023 Update)
- Green Bay Solar Installation Cost: $12,667
- 25-Year Savings: $23,278
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Green Bay
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Green Bay.
The average cost of solar panels in Green Bay is 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Green Bay, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,667, or $18,114 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Green Bay homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Green Bay, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Green Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,229 |
| 3 years | $-8,354 |
| 5 years | $-5,478 |
| 7 years | $-2,603 |
| 9 years | $273 |
| 11 years | $3,149 |
| 13 years | $6,024 |
| 15 years | $8,900 |
| 17 years | $11,775 |
| 19 years | $14,651 |
| 21 years | $17,527 |
| 23 years | $20,402 |
| 25 years | $23,278 |
Top Solar Installers in Green Bay
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Green Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Green Bay
For many Green Bay homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Green Bay, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $2,600. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Green Bay average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Green Bay's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $19,652 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,494 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $33,482 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $40,615 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $47,894 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $55,318 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $62,888 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $70,604 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Green Bay, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Green Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in Green Bay 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Green Bay?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,033.64 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.
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.