Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Wisconsin, WI (2024 Update)

  • Lake Wisconsin Solar Installation Cost: $19,848
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,851
  • Payback Period: 13.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Lake Wisconsin

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Lake Wisconsin.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Lake Wisconsin is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,848 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Lake Wisconsin homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Lake Wisconsin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,685
3 years $-16,360
5 years $-14,034
7 years $-11,709
9 years $-9,383
11 years $-7,058
13 years $-4,732
15 years $-2,407
17 years $-81
19 years $2,244
21 years $4,570
23 years $6,895
25 years $9,221

Top Solar Installers in Lake Wisconsin

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Lake Wisconsin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Wisconsin

The cost of installing a solar system in Lake Wisconsin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lake Wisconsin, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lake Wisconsin to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Lake Wisconsin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $14,376 13.5 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $19,602 13.3 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $25,046 13.0 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $30,707 12.7 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $36,585 12.5 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $42,681 12.2 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $48,994 12.0 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $55,524 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers 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.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 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 Lake Wisconsin, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Wisconsin?

The average cost of solar panels in Lake Wisconsin is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Lake Wisconsin?

Solar panels aren’t free in Lake Wisconsin, 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.

Is it worth going solar in Lake Wisconsin?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 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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