Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Pleasant, WI (Mar 2023)

  • Mount Pleasant Solar Installation Cost: $12,722
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,051
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Mount Pleasant

We break down average solar pricing in Mount Pleasant.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mount Pleasant, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Mount Pleasant, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,722, or $18,192 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Mount Pleasant based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mount Pleasant

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,091
3 years $-7,829
5 years $-4,567
7 years $-1,305
9 years $1,956
11 years $5,218
13 years $8,480
15 years $11,742
17 years $15,004
19 years $18,266
21 years $21,528
23 years $24,789
25 years $28,051

Top Solar Installers in Mount Pleasant

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

See all of the solar companies in Mount Pleasant

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Pleasant

There are several criteria that can play into your 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

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Mount Pleasant, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mount Pleasant homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Mount Pleasant, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $23,663 8.1 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $31,842 8.0 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $40,166 7.8 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $48,636 7.6 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $57,252 7.5 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $66,013 7.3 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $74,920 7.2 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $83,973 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Mount Pleasant, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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 Mount Pleasant, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Pleasant?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Mount Pleasant?

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 continue to use 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.

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