Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, WI (2023 Update)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $13,817
- 25-Year Savings: $24,654
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Superior.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Superior it's 2.6 per watt. The average Superior homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,814 with the federal tax credit, or $19,754 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Superior homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Superior, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,689 |
| 3 years | $-13,432 |
| 5 years | $-13,176 |
| 7 years | $-12,919 |
| 9 years | $-12,663 |
| 11 years | $-12,406 |
| 13 years | $-12,150 |
| 15 years | $-11,893 |
| 17 years | $-11,637 |
| 19 years | $-11,380 |
| 21 years | $-11,124 |
| 23 years | $-10,867 |
| 25 years | $-10,611 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Superior, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
The cost of installing a solar system in Superior can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,600 per kilowatt in Superior. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Superior, where sunlight isn't as 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Superior homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Superior's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Superior have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $19,048 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,689 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,475 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,406 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $46,484 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $53,707 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $61,075 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $68,589 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Superior, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost 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 Superior, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Superior?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Superior?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Superior is currently $133,341, so you can expect a value of about $5,467 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Superior is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Superior?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.