Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waukesha, WI (2024 Update)
- Waukesha Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
- 25-Year Savings: $27,625
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waukesha
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Waukesha.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waukesha generally cost about 4.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Waukesha, the average price of going solar will be about $19,621 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Waukesha depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Waukesha homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waukesha
| 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 Waukesha
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Waukesha:
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 Waukesha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukesha
There are several criteria that can determine 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 energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,880. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waukesha to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Waukesha is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Waukesha are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $16,915 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $22,988 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $29,279 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $35,786 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $42,511 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $49,453 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $56,613 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $63,989 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Waukesha, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waukesha?
The average cost of solar panels in Waukesha 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 choose to replace them once you've had 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.