Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, WI (2024 Update)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $14,854
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Middleton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Middleton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Middleton is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,756 for a solar installation, or $28,251 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Middleton homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,372 |
| 3 years | $-15,603 |
| 5 years | $-12,834 |
| 7 years | $-10,066 |
| 9 years | $-7,297 |
| 11 years | $-4,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,759 |
| 15 years | $1,010 |
| 17 years | $3,779 |
| 19 years | $6,547 |
| 21 years | $9,316 |
| 23 years | $12,085 |
| 25 years | $14,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
For many Middleton homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middleton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 around $3,880 per kilowatt in Middleton.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Middleton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Middleton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Middleton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $15,766 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,456 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,363 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $33,488 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $39,830 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $46,389 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $53,165 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $60,159 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 Middleton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middleton?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Middleton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Middleton. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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.