Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sussex, WI (2023 Update)
- Sussex Solar Installation Cost: $13,148
- 25-Year Savings: $27,625
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sussex
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Sussex.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sussex, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Sussex, the average price of going solar will be about $13,140 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Sussex homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Sussex for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sussex
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,853 |
| 3 years | $-9,262 |
| 5 years | $-6,671 |
| 7 years | $-4,080 |
| 9 years | $-1,489 |
| 11 years | $1,102 |
| 13 years | $3,693 |
| 15 years | $6,284 |
| 17 years | $8,875 |
| 19 years | $11,466 |
| 21 years | $14,057 |
| 23 years | $16,648 |
| 25 years | $19,239 |
Top Solar Installers in Sussex
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Sussex, 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 Sussex
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sussex
The cost of installing a solar system in Sussex can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,600 per kilowatt in Sussex. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sussex average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Sussex, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sussex are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $22,506 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,300 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,239 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,323 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $54,553 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $62,929 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $71,450 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,117 | 7.3 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 decide on 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 renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Sussex, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sussex?
This is a tough 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sussex?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sussex?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.