Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milton, WI (2024 Update)
- Milton Solar Installation Cost: $19,674
- 25-Year Savings: $24,141
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Milton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Milton, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Milton homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,674 with the federal tax credit, or $28,134 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Milton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Milton homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Milton for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Milton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,379 |
| 3 years | $-15,788 |
| 5 years | $-13,197 |
| 7 years | $-10,606 |
| 9 years | $-8,015 |
| 11 years | $-5,424 |
| 13 years | $-2,833 |
| 15 years | $-242 |
| 17 years | $2,349 |
| 19 years | $4,940 |
| 21 years | $7,531 |
| 23 years | $10,122 |
| 25 years | $12,713 |
Top Solar Installers in Milton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Milton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milton
There are many criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Milton, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Milton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $13,967 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $19,058 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $24,365 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $29,890 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $35,633 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $41,592 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $47,769 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $54,163 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Milton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Milton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Milton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Milton. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Milton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.