Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sturgeon Bay, WI (2024 Update)
- Sturgeon Bay Solar Installation Cost: $18,767
- 25-Year Savings: $20,722
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sturgeon Bay
We break down average solar pricing in Sturgeon Bay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sturgeon Bay it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $18,767 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sturgeon Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,629 |
| 3 years | $-15,352 |
| 5 years | $-13,075 |
| 7 years | $-10,797 |
| 9 years | $-8,520 |
| 11 years | $-6,243 |
| 13 years | $-3,966 |
| 15 years | $-1,689 |
| 17 years | $588 |
| 19 years | $2,865 |
| 21 years | $5,143 |
| 23 years | $7,420 |
| 25 years | $9,697 |
Top Solar Installers in Sturgeon Bay
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Sturgeon Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sturgeon Bay
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sturgeon Bay: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sturgeon Bay, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sturgeon Bay offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sturgeon Bay, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 down 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $11,965 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $16,388 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,028 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,886 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,961 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $36,253 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $41,762 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $47,489 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Sturgeon Bay, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sturgeon Bay?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sturgeon Bay?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.