Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Allis, WI (2024 Update)
- West Allis Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Allis
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Allis.
In West Allis, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Allis, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,650, or $26,670 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Allis homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $23,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Allis find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Allis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,354 |
| 3 years | $-14,763 |
| 5 years | $-12,172 |
| 7 years | $-9,581 |
| 9 years | $-6,990 |
| 11 years | $-4,399 |
| 13 years | $-1,808 |
| 15 years | $783 |
| 17 years | $3,374 |
| 19 years | $5,965 |
| 21 years | $8,556 |
| 23 years | $11,147 |
| 25 years | $13,738 |
Top Solar Installers in West Allis
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
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 West Allis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Allis
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in West Allis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 about $3,880. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof 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 add-ons 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 West Allis to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Allis homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Allis is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $18,679 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $25,340 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $32,219 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $39,314 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $46,627 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $54,157 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $61,905 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $69,870 | 10.3 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
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 West Allis, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Allis?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Allis?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.