Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Francis, WI (2024 Update)
- St. Francis Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Francis
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in St. Francis.
In St. Francis, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average St. Francis 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Francis homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Francis
| 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 St. Francis
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in St. Francis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Francis
The cost of installing a solar system in St. Francis can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in St. Francis, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in St. Francis, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in St. Francis are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
There are numerous companies available in St. Francis, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking 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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's St. Francis, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in St. Francis?
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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in St. Francis?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in St. Francis?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.