Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Berlin, WI (2024 Update)

  • New Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,625
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 New Berlin

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in New Berlin.

In New Berlin, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average New Berlin homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,621 with the federal tax credit, or $28,058 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in New Berlin see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in New Berlin

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,326
3 years$-15,735
5 years$-13,144
7 years$-10,553
9 years$-7,962
11 years$-5,371
13 years$-2,780
15 years$-189
17 years$2,402
19 years$4,993
21 years$7,584
23 years$10,175
25 years$12,766

Top Solar Installers in New Berlin

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar company in New Berlin, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 New Berlin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Berlin

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in New Berlin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the New Berlin average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in New Berlin, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in New Berlin, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in New Berlin know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$16,91512.5 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$22,98812.3 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$29,27912.0 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$35,78611.8 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$42,51111.5 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$49,45311.3 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$56,61311.1 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$63,98910.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to read 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 cost.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's New Berlin, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Berlin?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in New Berlin?

You can’t get solar panels for free in New Berlin. However, you may still be able to install 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 much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,128.77 per year.

How long do solar panels last in New Berlin?

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 decide to replace them after having 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.