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 around 4.The average Waukesha homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,621 with the federal tax credit, or $28,058 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Waukesha homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Waukesha, you can 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Waukesha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waukesha
The cost of installing a solar system in Waukesha can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waukesha to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Waukesha 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 help you save 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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's Waukesha, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.