Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Salem, WI (2023 Update)
- West Salem Solar Installation Cost: $13,494
- 25-Year Savings: $22,056
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Salem
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West Salem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in West Salem is 2.6 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in West Salem, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,486, or $19,285 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Salem homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average West Salem homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in West Salem, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,390 |
| 3 years | $-10,181 |
| 5 years | $-7,973 |
| 7 years | $-5,764 |
| 9 years | $-3,556 |
| 11 years | $-1,347 |
| 13 years | $861 |
| 15 years | $3,070 |
| 17 years | $5,278 |
| 19 years | $7,487 |
| 21 years | $9,695 |
| 23 years | $11,904 |
| 25 years | $14,112 |
Top Solar Installers in West Salem
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Salem
Even though the average cost of a solar system in West Salem is $13,486, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in West Salem, one of the most crucial 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Salem, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that 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 company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Salem, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,412 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $23,507 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $29,748 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $36,134 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $42,666 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $49,343 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $56,166 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $63,135 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has 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.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Salem, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Salem?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Salem?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Salem is currently $197,600, which means you can expect a value of about $8,102 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Salem is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in West Salem?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.