Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hales Corners, WI (2023 Update)

  • Hales Corners Solar Installation Cost: $12,497
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,276
  • Payback Period: 7.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hales Corners

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Hales Corners.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Hales Corners is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hales Corners is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,503 for a solar installation, or $17,879 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Hales Corners homeowner can save around $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Hales Corners, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hales Corners

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,202
3 years $-8,611
5 years $-6,020
7 years $-3,429
9 years $-838
11 years $1,753
13 years $4,344
15 years $6,935
17 years $9,526
19 years $12,117
21 years $14,708
23 years $17,299
25 years $19,890

Top Solar Installers in Hales Corners

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Hales Corners

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hales Corners

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Hales Corners: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Hales Corners, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Hales Corners have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Hales Corners' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $2.70 $11,357 $24,270 8.0 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $32,652 7.8 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $41,179 7.7 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $49,851 7.5 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $58,669 7.4 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $67,633 7.2 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $76,743 7.0 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $85,998 6.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although 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 make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Hales Corners, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hales Corners?

The average cost of solar panels in Hales Corners 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hales Corners?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 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.

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