Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menasha, WI (2024 Update)
- Menasha Solar Installation Cost: $19,599
- 25-Year Savings: $23,742
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menasha
We go over average solar pricing in Menasha.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Menasha generally cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Menasha, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,599, or $28,027 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Menasha find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Menasha for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Menasha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,303 |
| 3 years | $-15,712 |
| 5 years | $-13,121 |
| 7 years | $-10,530 |
| 9 years | $-7,939 |
| 11 years | $-5,348 |
| 13 years | $-2,757 |
| 15 years | $-166 |
| 17 years | $2,425 |
| 19 years | $5,016 |
| 21 years | $7,607 |
| 23 years | $10,198 |
| 25 years | $12,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Menasha
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Menasha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menasha
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Menasha: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Menasha.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce 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 panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Menasha’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk 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 down 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 | $13,713 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,719 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,942 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $29,382 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $35,040 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,914 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $47,007 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $53,316 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Menasha, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menasha?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Menasha?
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 level 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.