Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summit, WI (2024 Update)
- Summit Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
- 25-Year Savings: $25,024
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summit
We break down average solar pricing in Summit.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Summit typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Summit is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,621 for a solar installation, or $28,058 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Summit homeowners. The cost 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 most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Summit see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Summit, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summit
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,326 |
| 3 years | $-15,735 |
| 5 years | $-13,144 |
| 7 years | $-10,553 |
| 9 years | $-7,962 |
| 11 years | $-5,371 |
| 13 years | $-2,780 |
| 15 years | $-189 |
| 17 years | $2,402 |
| 19 years | $4,993 |
| 21 years | $7,584 |
| 23 years | $10,175 |
| 25 years | $12,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Summit
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Summit:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summit
There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Summit average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Summit provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 access 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 down 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 | $14,755 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,108 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $25,678 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $31,466 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $37,471 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $43,693 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $50,132 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $56,789 | 11.6 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Summit, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summit?
The average cost of solar panels in Summit is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Summit?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Summit, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 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.