Solar Panel Cost Guide in St Joseph, WI (2023 Update)
- St Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $13,395
- 25-Year Savings: $21,720
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St Joseph
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in St Joseph.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St Joseph it's 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in St Joseph, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,395, or $19,155 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average St Joseph homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in St Joseph that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in St Joseph
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,991 |
| 3 years | $-9,181 |
| 5 years | $-6,372 |
| 7 years | $-3,563 |
| 9 years | $-754 |
| 11 years | $2,055 |
| 13 years | $4,865 |
| 15 years | $7,674 |
| 17 years | $10,483 |
| 19 years | $13,292 |
| 21 years | $16,101 |
| 23 years | $18,911 |
| 25 years | $21,720 |
Top Solar Installers in St Joseph
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in St Joseph, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St Joseph
For many St Joseph homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in St Joseph, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like St Joseph, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in St Joseph offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
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 hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $17,258 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $23,301 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $29,491 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $35,826 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $42,306 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $48,932 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $55,704 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $62,621 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Joseph, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St Joseph?
The average cost of solar panels in St Joseph is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in St Joseph?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the average daily 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 install 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.