Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Salem, WI (2025 Update)
- West Salem Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
- 25-Year Savings: $22,056
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Salem
We go over average solar pricing in West Salem.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Salem, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover 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 $20,137, or $28,796 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Salem find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,033 |
| 3 years | $-16,824 |
| 5 years | $-14,616 |
| 7 years | $-12,407 |
| 9 years | $-10,199 |
| 11 years | $-7,990 |
| 13 years | $-5,782 |
| 15 years | $-3,573 |
| 17 years | $-1,365 |
| 19 years | $844 |
| 21 years | $3,052 |
| 23 years | $5,261 |
| 25 years | $7,469 |
Top Solar Installers in West Salem
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in West Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Salem
For many West Salem homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Salem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Salem average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Salem provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout West Salem, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $11,821 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $16,195 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,788 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,597 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,624 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $35,867 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $41,329 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $47,007 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you 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.
EcoWatch's West Salem, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in West Salem is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.