Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Hudson, WI (2023 Update)

  • North Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $13,395
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,227
  • Payback Period: 9.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 North Hudson

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Hudson.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Hudson, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. The average North Hudson homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,395 with the federal tax credit, or $19,155 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of North Hudson homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average North Hudson homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in North Hudson for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in North Hudson

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,010
3 years $-9,241
5 years $-6,471
7 years $-3,701
9 years $-931
11 years $1,838
13 years $4,608
15 years $7,378
17 years $10,148
19 years $12,918
21 years $15,687
23 years $18,457
25 years $21,227

Top Solar Installers in North Hudson

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you're searching for a solar company in North Hudson, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 North Hudson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Hudson

For many North Hudson homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Hudson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in North Hudson, 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Hudson, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many North Hudson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in North Hudson is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 $16,856 10.1 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $22,766 9.9 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $28,821 9.7 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $35,022 9.5 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $41,369 9.3 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $47,861 9.1 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $54,499 8.9 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $61,283 8.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
  • 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 install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

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 North Hudson, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Hudson?

The average cost of solar panels in North Hudson 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in North Hudson?

You can't get solar panels for free in North Hudson. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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