Solar Panel Cost Guide in Neenah, WI (2023 Update)
- Neenah Solar Installation Cost: $13,094
- 25-Year Savings: $23,292
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Neenah
We go over average solar pricing in Neenah.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Neenah is 2.6 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Neenah, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,086, or $18,713 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Neenah homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Neenah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,799 |
| 3 years | $-9,208 |
| 5 years | $-6,617 |
| 7 years | $-4,026 |
| 9 years | $-1,435 |
| 11 years | $1,156 |
| 13 years | $3,747 |
| 15 years | $6,338 |
| 17 years | $8,929 |
| 19 years | $11,520 |
| 21 years | $14,111 |
| 23 years | $16,702 |
| 25 years | $19,293 |
Top Solar Installers in Neenah
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Neenah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Neenah
The cost of installing a solar system in Neenah can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,600. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Neenah to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Neenah, and each can charge varying amounts 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $18,987 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,607 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,373 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,285 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $46,342 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $53,544 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $60,892 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $68,386 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Neenah, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Neenah?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Neenah?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Neenah?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.