Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merton, WI (2024 Update)

  • Merton Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,324
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Merton

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Merton.

In Merton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Merton homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,621 with the federal tax credit, or $28,058 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Merton, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Merton

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,326
3 years$-15,735
5 years$-13,144
7 years$-10,553
9 years$-7,962
11 years$-5,371
13 years$-2,780
15 years$-189
17 years$2,402
19 years$4,993
21 years$7,584
23 years$10,175
25 years$12,766

Top Solar Installers in Merton

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Merton:

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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 Merton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merton

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Merton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Merton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Merton, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Merton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable 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 can sometimes 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$15,83512.9 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$21,54812.7 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$27,47812.4 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$33,62612.2 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$39,99111.9 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$46,57311.7 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$53,37211.4 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$60,38911.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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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 Merton, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Merton is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Merton?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

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

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.

What solar power system size is right for 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.