Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth, WI (2023 Update)

  • Plymouth Solar Installation Cost: $12,688
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,779
  • Payback Period: 8.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Plymouth

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Plymouth.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plymouth, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Plymouth is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,685 for a solar installation, or $18,140 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

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

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Plymouth, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Plymouth

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,566
3 years $-12,323
5 years $-12,080
7 years $-11,837
9 years $-11,594
11 years $-11,351
13 years $-11,108
15 years $-10,864
17 years $-10,621
19 years $-10,378
21 years $-10,135
23 years $-9,892
25 years $-9,649

Top Solar Installers in Plymouth

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Plymouth, optimizing your ROI.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Plymouth

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth

The cost of installing a solar system in Plymouth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,600 per kilowatt in Plymouth. The 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Plymouth average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plymouth to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Plymouth, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Plymouth are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $20,029 9.0 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $26,996 8.9 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $34,109 8.7 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $41,368 8.5 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $48,772 8.4 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $56,322 8.2 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $64,018 8.0 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $71,859 7.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall 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 consider, such as:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

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 Plymouth, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plymouth?

The average cost of solar panels in Plymouth 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Plymouth?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Plymouth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Plymouth?

Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.

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