Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sugar Creek, WI (2024 Update)
- Sugar Creek Solar Installation Cost: $19,570
- 25-Year Savings: $23,134
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sugar Creek
We go over average solar pricing in Sugar Creek.
The average cost of a solar system in Sugar Creek is 4 per watt.The average Sugar Creek homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,570 with the federal tax credit, or $27,985 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sugar Creek can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sugar Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,275 |
| 3 years | $-15,684 |
| 5 years | $-13,093 |
| 7 years | $-10,502 |
| 9 years | $-7,911 |
| 11 years | $-5,320 |
| 13 years | $-2,729 |
| 15 years | $-138 |
| 17 years | $2,453 |
| 19 years | $5,044 |
| 21 years | $7,635 |
| 23 years | $10,226 |
| 25 years | $12,817 |
Top Solar Installers in Sugar Creek
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar company in Sugar Creek, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Sugar Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sugar Creek
While the average cost of a solar system in Sugar Creek is $19,570, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sugar Creek, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sugar Creek to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Sugar Creek, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,236 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,082 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,146 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,427 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,925 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,640 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,573 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,723 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Sugar Creek, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Sugar Creek, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sugar Creek?
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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sugar Creek?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Sugar Creek have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.