Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mequon, WI (2023 Update)
- Mequon Solar Installation Cost: $12,517
- 25-Year Savings: $25,960
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mequon
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mequon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mequon generally cost around 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Mequon is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,522 for a solar installation, or $17,906 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mequon find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Mequon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mequon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,388 |
| 3 years | $-12,132 |
| 5 years | $-11,875 |
| 7 years | $-11,619 |
| 9 years | $-11,362 |
| 11 years | $-11,106 |
| 13 years | $-10,849 |
| 15 years | $-10,593 |
| 17 years | $-10,336 |
| 19 years | $-10,080 |
| 21 years | $-9,823 |
| 23 years | $-9,567 |
| 25 years | $-9,310 |
Top Solar Installers in Mequon
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Mequon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mequon
The cost of installing a solar system in Mequon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mequon to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind 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. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Mequon, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mequon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Mequon?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mequon. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mequon?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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.