Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Milwaukee, WI (2024 Update)

  • South Milwaukee Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,738
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Milwaukee

We break down average solar pricing in South Milwaukee.

The average cost of solar panels in South Milwaukee is 4 per watt.The average South Milwaukee homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,650 with the federal tax credit, or $26,670 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Milwaukee find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in South Milwaukee

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,354
3 years $-14,763
5 years $-12,172
7 years $-9,581
9 years $-6,990
11 years $-4,399
13 years $-1,808
15 years $783
17 years $3,374
19 years $5,965
21 years $8,556
23 years $11,147
25 years $13,738

Top Solar Installers in South Milwaukee

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 South Milwaukee

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Milwaukee

There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind 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 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 greater 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. South Milwaukee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $4.04 $16,948 $18,679 11.9 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $25,340 11.7 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $32,219 11.4 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $39,314 11.2 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $46,627 11.0 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $54,157 10.7 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $61,905 10.5 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $69,870 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's South Milwaukee, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Milwaukee?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in South Milwaukee?

Solar panels aren’t free in South Milwaukee, 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 can help lower the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in South Milwaukee?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.

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