Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, WI (2024 Update)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $19,998
- 25-Year Savings: $21,221
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
We break down average solar pricing in Hudson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hudson, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Hudson homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,998 with the federal tax credit, or $28,597 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hudson can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Hudson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,894 |
| 3 years | $-16,685 |
| 5 years | $-14,477 |
| 7 years | $-12,268 |
| 9 years | $-10,060 |
| 11 years | $-7,851 |
| 13 years | $-5,643 |
| 15 years | $-3,434 |
| 17 years | $-1,226 |
| 19 years | $983 |
| 21 years | $3,191 |
| 23 years | $5,400 |
| 25 years | $7,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
While the average cost of a solar system in Hudson is $19,998, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hudson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Hudson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $11,265 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,454 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $19,861 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $24,485 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $29,327 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $34,385 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $39,661 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $45,155 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Hudson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hudson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hudson?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Hudson, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hudson is currently $466,231, which means you can look forward to a value of about $19,115 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hudson is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.