Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, WI (2024 Update)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $20,619
- 25-Year Savings: $24,654
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Superior.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Superior generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Superior is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,619 for a solar installation, or $29,485 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Superior homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,490 |
| 3 years | $-17,231 |
| 5 years | $-14,973 |
| 7 years | $-12,714 |
| 9 years | $-10,455 |
| 11 years | $-8,197 |
| 13 years | $-5,938 |
| 15 years | $-3,679 |
| 17 years | $-1,421 |
| 19 years | $838 |
| 21 years | $3,096 |
| 23 years | $5,355 |
| 25 years | $7,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Superior: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, 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 nearly $3,880. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Superior homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Superior, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 | $13,457 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,377 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,515 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,870 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,442 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,231 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $46,238 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $52,461 | 12.1 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. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry 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 Superior, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Superior?
The average cost of solar panels in Superior 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Superior?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on 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 $198,087, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,122 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Superior is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Superior?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.