Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menasha, WI (2023 Update)
- Menasha Solar Installation Cost: $13,133
- 25-Year Savings: $23,742
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menasha
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Menasha.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Menasha generally cost around 2.6. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,140 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Menasha find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Menasha, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Menasha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,838 |
| 3 years | $-9,247 |
| 5 years | $-6,656 |
| 7 years | $-4,065 |
| 9 years | $-1,474 |
| 11 years | $1,117 |
| 13 years | $3,708 |
| 15 years | $6,299 |
| 17 years | $8,890 |
| 19 years | $11,481 |
| 21 years | $14,072 |
| 23 years | $16,663 |
| 25 years | $19,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Menasha
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Menasha, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Menasha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menasha
Although the average cost of a solar system in Menasha is $13,140, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Menasha, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Menasha average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Menasha homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Menasha homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Menasha is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $19,304 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,030 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,902 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,919 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $47,082 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $54,390 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $61,844 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $69,444 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Menasha, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menasha?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Menasha?
You can't get solar panels for free in Menasha. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.