Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milwaukee, WI (2023 Update)
- Milwaukee Solar Installation Cost: $12,904
- 25-Year Savings: $27,869
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milwaukee
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Milwaukee.
In Milwaukee, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Milwaukee, the average price of going solar will be about $12,904 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Milwaukee can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Milwaukee for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Milwaukee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,273 |
| 3 years | $-8,011 |
| 5 years | $-4,749 |
| 7 years | $-1,487 |
| 9 years | $1,774 |
| 11 years | $5,036 |
| 13 years | $8,298 |
| 15 years | $11,560 |
| 17 years | $14,822 |
| 19 years | $18,084 |
| 21 years | $21,346 |
| 23 years | $24,607 |
| 25 years | $27,869 |
Top Solar Installers in Milwaukee
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Milwaukee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milwaukee
While the average cost of a solar system in Milwaukee is $12,904, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,600 per kilowatt in Milwaukee. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Milwaukee, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 Milwaukee homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Milwaukee is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally 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 vehicle 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $23,169 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $31,184 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $39,343 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $47,649 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $56,100 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $64,697 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $73,439 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $82,327 | 7.1 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: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's Milwaukee, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Milwaukee?
The average cost of solar panels in Milwaukee is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff 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 Milwaukee?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Milwaukee have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Milwaukee?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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.