Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Francis, WI (2023 Update)
- St. Francis Solar Installation Cost: $12,497
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Francis
We break down average solar pricing in St. Francis.
In St. Francis, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Since a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in St. Francis, the average price of going solar will be about $12,503 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average St. Francis homeowner can save about $23,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in St. Francis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,202 |
| 3 years | $-8,611 |
| 5 years | $-6,020 |
| 7 years | $-3,429 |
| 9 years | $-838 |
| 11 years | $1,753 |
| 13 years | $4,344 |
| 15 years | $6,935 |
| 17 years | $9,526 |
| 19 years | $12,117 |
| 21 years | $14,708 |
| 23 years | $17,299 |
| 25 years | $19,890 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Francis
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in St. Francis:
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 St. Francis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Francis
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in St. Francis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many St. Francis homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in St. Francis is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $24,270 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $32,652 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $41,179 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $49,851 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $58,669 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $67,633 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $76,743 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $85,998 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 St. Francis, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Francis?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in St. Francis?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.