Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bend, WI (Mar 2023)
- West Bend Solar Installation Cost: $13,068
- 25-Year Savings: $27,705
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bend
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West Bend.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Bend generally cost around 2.6. The average solar panel system size in West Bend is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,068 for a solar installation, or $18,687 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in West Bend based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Bend see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in West Bend, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Bend
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,437 |
| 3 years | $-8,175 |
| 5 years | $-4,913 |
| 7 years | $-1,651 |
| 9 years | $1,611 |
| 11 years | $4,873 |
| 13 years | $8,134 |
| 15 years | $11,396 |
| 17 years | $14,658 |
| 19 years | $17,920 |
| 21 years | $21,182 |
| 23 years | $24,444 |
| 25 years | $27,705 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bend
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in West Bend:
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 Bend
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bend
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in West Bend: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in West Bend, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Bend average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Bend, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Bend, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $22,731 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,599 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,613 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,772 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $55,077 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $63,528 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $72,124 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,866 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in West Bend, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Bend, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bend?
The average cost of solar panels in West Bend is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind 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?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Bend?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in West Bend?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.