Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kenosha, WI (2023 Update)
- Kenosha Solar Installation Cost: $12,696
- 25-Year Savings: $28,078
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kenosha
We break down average solar pricing in Kenosha.
In Kenosha, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Kenosha, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,704, or $18,167 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Kenosha homeowner can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Kenosha for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Kenosha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,560 |
| 3 years | $-12,288 |
| 5 years | $-12,016 |
| 7 years | $-11,744 |
| 9 years | $-11,472 |
| 11 years | $-11,201 |
| 13 years | $-10,929 |
| 15 years | $-10,657 |
| 17 years | $-10,385 |
| 19 years | $-10,113 |
| 21 years | $-9,841 |
| 23 years | $-9,570 |
| 25 years | $-9,298 |
Top Solar Installers in Kenosha
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Kenosha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kenosha
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Kenosha: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kenosha to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $23,714 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $31,910 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $40,251 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $48,738 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $57,370 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $66,149 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $75,072 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $84,142 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Kenosha, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kenosha?
The average cost of solar panels in Kenosha 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Kenosha?
A solar panel system isn't free in Kenosha, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.