Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, WI (2023 Update)

  • Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $13,401
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,221
  • Payback Period: 9.7 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Hudson

See how much it might cost to install solar panels 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 Hudson homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,395 with the federal tax credit, or $19,155 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hudson can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Hudson

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,296
3 years $-10,088
5 years $-7,879
7 years $-5,671
9 years $-3,462
11 years $-1,254
13 years $955
15 years $3,163
17 years $5,372
19 years $7,580
21 years $9,789
23 years $11,997
25 years $14,206

Top Solar Installers in Hudson

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Hudson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson

There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hudson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Hudson offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hudson is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.

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 solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.

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 Hudson, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hudson?

The average cost of solar panels in Hudson is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is it worth going solar in Hudson?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Hudson?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.

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