Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shawano, WI (2024 Update)
- Shawano Solar Installation Cost: $19,801
- 25-Year Savings: $25,590
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shawano
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Shawano.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shawano it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Shawano is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,801 for a solar installation, or $28,315 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Shawano can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Shawano that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shawano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,506 |
| 3 years | $-15,915 |
| 5 years | $-13,324 |
| 7 years | $-10,733 |
| 9 years | $-8,142 |
| 11 years | $-5,551 |
| 13 years | $-2,960 |
| 15 years | $-369 |
| 17 years | $2,222 |
| 19 years | $4,813 |
| 21 years | $7,404 |
| 23 years | $9,995 |
| 25 years | $12,586 |
Top Solar Installers in Shawano
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Shawano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shawano
The cost of installing a solar system in Shawano can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Shawano.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Shawano, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Shawano, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Shawano have more knowledge 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 end up saving you 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $15,032 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,477 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $26,140 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $32,020 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $38,117 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $44,431 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $50,963 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $57,712 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Shawano, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-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
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Shawano, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shawano?
The average cost of solar panels in Shawano is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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 Shawano?
Solar panels aren’t free in Shawano, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Shawano?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.