Solar Panel Cost Guide in Weston, WI (2024 Update)
- Weston Solar Installation Cost: $19,950
- 25-Year Savings: $22,356
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Weston
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Weston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Weston it’s 4 per watt.The average Weston homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,950 with the federal tax credit, or $28,528 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Weston based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Weston find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Weston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,822 |
| 3 years | $-16,565 |
| 5 years | $-14,309 |
| 7 years | $-12,053 |
| 9 years | $-9,796 |
| 11 years | $-7,540 |
| 13 years | $-5,284 |
| 15 years | $-3,028 |
| 17 years | $-771 |
| 19 years | $1,485 |
| 21 years | $3,741 |
| 23 years | $5,998 |
| 25 years | $8,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Weston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Weston:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Weston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Weston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Weston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Weston.The type 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Weston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Weston homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Weston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Weston is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,233 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $16,746 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,476 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $26,422 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $31,587 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $36,968 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $42,567 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $48,383 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Weston, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Weston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Weston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $972.71 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.