Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bend, WI (2024 Update)

  • West Bend Solar Installation Cost: $19,492
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,712
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bend

Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Bend.

In West Bend, solar panels cost about 4 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 $19,492 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average West Bend homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in West Bend, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Bend

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,196
3 years $-15,605
5 years $-13,014
7 years $-10,423
9 years $-7,832
11 years $-5,242
13 years $-2,651
15 years $-60
17 years $2,531
19 years $5,122
21 years $7,713
23 years $10,304
25 years $12,895

Top Solar Installers in West Bend

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 around $3,880. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Bend, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $17,140 12.4 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $23,288 12.2 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $29,653 12.0 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $36,235 11.7 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $43,035 11.5 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $50,052 11.2 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $57,286 11.0 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $64,738 10.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bend?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in West Bend?

You can’t get solar panels for free in West Bend. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,136.26 per year.

How long do solar panels last in West Bend?

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 the amount of energy they produce 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.

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