Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sussex, WI (Mar 2023)

  • Sussex Solar Installation Cost: $13,140
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,633
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sussex

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sussex.

The average cost of a solar system in Sussex is 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Sussex, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,140, or $18,790 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sussex can save around $21,000 on their electricity 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 Sussex

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,509
3 years $-8,248
5 years $-4,986
7 years $-1,724
9 years $1,538
11 years $4,800
13 years $8,062
15 years $11,323
17 years $14,585
19 years $17,847
21 years $21,109
23 years $24,371
25 years $27,633

Top Solar Installers in Sussex

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 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 is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. 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. 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sussex average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sussex, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sussex is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Sussex know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $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

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • 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 do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Sussex, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sussex?

The average cost of solar panels in Sussex is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 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.

Are solar panels free in Sussex?

A solar panel system isn't free in Sussex, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,128.77 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Sussex?

Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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