Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, WI (2023 Update)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $13,494
- 25-Year Savings: $23,842
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Shelby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shelby, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Shelby, the average price of going solar will be about $13,486 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Shelby homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,390 |
| 3 years | $-10,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,973 |
| 7 years | $-5,764 |
| 9 years | $-3,556 |
| 11 years | $-1,347 |
| 13 years | $861 |
| 15 years | $3,070 |
| 17 years | $5,278 |
| 19 years | $7,487 |
| 21 years | $9,695 |
| 23 years | $11,904 |
| 25 years | $14,112 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Shelby: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Shelby, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Shelby, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Shelby, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater 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 down 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 | $18,857 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,434 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,157 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,025 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $46,039 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $53,198 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $60,503 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $67,954 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 Shelby, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelby?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelby 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Shelby?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 incentives 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 eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Shelby, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely 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 after having 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.