Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manitowoc, WI (2024 Update)
- Manitowoc Solar Installation Cost: $18,639
- 25-Year Savings: $20,170
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manitowoc
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Manitowoc.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Manitowoc, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Manitowoc is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,639 for a solar installation, or $26,654 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Manitowoc, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manitowoc
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,669 |
| 3 years | $-15,730 |
| 5 years | $-13,791 |
| 7 years | $-11,852 |
| 9 years | $-9,913 |
| 11 years | $-7,974 |
| 13 years | $-6,035 |
| 15 years | $-4,096 |
| 17 years | $-2,157 |
| 19 years | $-218 |
| 21 years | $1,721 |
| 23 years | $3,660 |
| 25 years | $5,599 |
Top Solar Installers in Manitowoc
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Manitowoc, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Manitowoc
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manitowoc
Although the average cost of a solar system in Manitowoc is $18,639, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 $3,880. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Manitowoc homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Manitowoc’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $11,607 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,910 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,431 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,169 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,124 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $35,297 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $40,687 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $46,294 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Manitowoc, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manitowoc?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Manitowoc?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.