Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, WI (2024 Update)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
- 25-Year Savings: $23,842
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Shelby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Shelby, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Shelby is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,137 for a solar installation, or $28,796 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Shelby homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Shelby homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Shelby for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,033 |
| 3 years | $-16,824 |
| 5 years | $-14,616 |
| 7 years | $-12,407 |
| 9 years | $-10,199 |
| 11 years | $-7,990 |
| 13 years | $-5,782 |
| 15 years | $-3,573 |
| 17 years | $-1,365 |
| 19 years | $844 |
| 21 years | $3,052 |
| 23 years | $5,261 |
| 25 years | $7,469 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Shelby.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Shelby, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Shelby, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $13,266 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,123 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,197 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,488 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,997 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,722 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,666 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,826 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Shelby, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shelby?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Shelby?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Shelby. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Shelby is currently $280,207, which means you can expect a value of about $11,488 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shelby is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Shelby?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.