Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Joseph, WI (2024 Update)
- St. Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $19,998
- 25-Year Savings: $21,714
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Joseph
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in St. Joseph.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in St. Joseph, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in St. Joseph, the average price of going solar will be about $19,998 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in St. Joseph, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Joseph
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,894 |
| 3 years | $-16,685 |
| 5 years | $-14,477 |
| 7 years | $-12,268 |
| 9 years | $-10,060 |
| 11 years | $-7,851 |
| 13 years | $-5,643 |
| 15 years | $-3,434 |
| 17 years | $-1,226 |
| 19 years | $983 |
| 21 years | $3,191 |
| 23 years | $5,400 |
| 25 years | $7,608 |
Top Solar Installers in St. Joseph
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in St. Joseph, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
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. Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Joseph
While the average cost of a solar system in St. Joseph is $19,998, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,880. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease 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 total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
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. Joseph is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in St. Joseph have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $11,667 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,990 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,531 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,289 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,264 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $35,456 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $40,866 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $46,493 | 12.8 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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
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. Joseph, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Joseph?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does St. Joseph have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.