Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bend, WI (2023 Update)
- West Bend Solar Installation Cost: $13,062
- 25-Year Savings: $27,712
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bend
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Bend.
In West Bend, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in West Bend, the average price of going solar will be about $13,068 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Bend
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,926 |
| 3 years | $-12,654 |
| 5 years | $-12,382 |
| 7 years | $-12,110 |
| 9 years | $-11,838 |
| 11 years | $-11,567 |
| 13 years | $-11,295 |
| 15 years | $-11,023 |
| 17 years | $-10,751 |
| 19 years | $-10,479 |
| 21 years | $-10,207 |
| 23 years | $-9,936 |
| 25 years | $-9,664 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bend
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
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 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 West Bend
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bend
The cost of installing a solar system in West Bend can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,600. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate 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
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Bend, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $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 a lot of 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 West Bend, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Bend?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Bend?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in West Bend?
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 enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.