Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, WI (2023 Update)
- Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $13,401
- 25-Year Savings: $22,662
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Somerset.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Somerset, 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 Somerset, the average price of going solar will be about $13,395 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Somerset based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Somerset homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Somerset, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Somerset
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,280 |
| 3 years | $-13,040 |
| 5 years | $-12,800 |
| 7 years | $-12,559 |
| 9 years | $-12,319 |
| 11 years | $-12,078 |
| 13 years | $-11,838 |
| 15 years | $-11,598 |
| 17 years | $-11,357 |
| 19 years | $-11,117 |
| 21 years | $-10,876 |
| 23 years | $-10,636 |
| 25 years | $-10,395 |
Top Solar Installers in Somerset
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Somerset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset
The cost of installing a solar system in Somerset can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,600 per kilowatt in Somerset. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Somerset is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $18,030 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,331 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,778 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,370 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,108 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $50,992 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,021 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $65,196 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Somerset, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Somerset?
The average cost of solar panels in Somerset 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Somerset?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates 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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.