Solar Panel Cost Guide in Racine, WI (2024 Update)
- Racine Solar Installation Cost: $18,973
- 25-Year Savings: $28,059
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Racine
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Racine.
In Racine, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $18,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Racine 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.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Racine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,678 |
| 3 years | $-15,087 |
| 5 years | $-12,496 |
| 7 years | $-9,905 |
| 9 years | $-7,314 |
| 11 years | $-4,723 |
| 13 years | $-2,132 |
| 15 years | $459 |
| 17 years | $3,050 |
| 19 years | $5,641 |
| 21 years | $8,232 |
| 23 years | $10,823 |
| 25 years | $13,414 |
Top Solar Installers in Racine
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Racine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Racine
For many Racine homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Racine, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Racine average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Racine to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Racine, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $18,072 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $24,531 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $31,206 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $38,099 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $45,210 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $52,538 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $60,082 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $67,845 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Racine, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Racine?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Racine?
Solar panels aren’t free in Racine, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Racine have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.