Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mequon, WI (2023 Update)

  • Mequon Solar Installation Cost: $12,522
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,955
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Mequon

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mequon.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Mequon is 2.6 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mequon, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,522, or $17,906 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Mequon, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mequon

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,983
3 years $-7,904
5 years $-4,826
7 years $-1,748
9 years $1,330
11 years $4,408
13 years $7,486
15 years $10,564
17 years $13,643
19 years $16,721
21 years $19,799
23 years $22,877
25 years $25,955

Top Solar Installers in Mequon

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

See all of the solar companies in Mequon

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mequon

There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar 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 about $2,600. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mequon average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mequon homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Mequon, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $2.70 $11,357 $22,211 8.5 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $29,907 8.3 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $37,747 8.1 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $45,733 8.0 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $53,865 7.8 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $62,143 7.6 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $70,566 7.5 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $79,134 7.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch's Mequon, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mequon?

The average cost of solar panels in Mequon 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mequon?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.

Follow us