Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Hudson, WI (2023 Update)
- North Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $13,401
- 25-Year Savings: $21,221
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Hudson
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in North Hudson.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Hudson, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in North Hudson, the average price of going solar will be about $13,395 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Hudson find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,296 |
| 3 years | $-10,088 |
| 5 years | $-7,879 |
| 7 years | $-5,671 |
| 9 years | $-3,462 |
| 11 years | $-1,254 |
| 13 years | $955 |
| 15 years | $3,163 |
| 17 years | $5,372 |
| 19 years | $7,580 |
| 21 years | $9,789 |
| 23 years | $11,997 |
| 25 years | $14,206 |
Top Solar Installers in North Hudson
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in North Hudson, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 North Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Hudson
For many North Hudson homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends 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 greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 largely based on your home's energy consumption, 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. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 extra equipment 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 North Hudson to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
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 system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in North Hudson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 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 actual 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 North Hudson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.