Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, WI (Mar 2023)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $13,395
- 25-Year Savings: $21,227
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
We go over average solar pricing in Hudson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hudson it's 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Hudson is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,395 for a solar installation, or $19,155 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Hudson based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Hudson for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,010 |
| 3 years | $-9,241 |
| 5 years | $-6,471 |
| 7 years | $-3,701 |
| 9 years | $-931 |
| 11 years | $1,838 |
| 13 years | $4,608 |
| 15 years | $7,378 |
| 17 years | $10,148 |
| 19 years | $12,918 |
| 21 years | $15,687 |
| 23 years | $18,457 |
| 25 years | $21,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Hudson, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
While the average cost of a solar system in Hudson is $13,395, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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 brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 more 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
Most solar companies in Hudson have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hudson homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Hudson, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hudson know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $16,856 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $22,766 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $28,821 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $35,022 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $41,369 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $47,861 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $54,499 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $61,283 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Hudson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hudson?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hudson?
A solar panel system isn't free in Hudson, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 long do solar panels last in Hudson?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.