Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westport, WI (2023 Update)
- Westport Solar Installation Cost: $13,239
- 25-Year Savings: $25,773
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westport
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Westport.
In Westport, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average Westport homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,231 with the federal tax credit, or $18,920 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Westport depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westport find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,854 |
| 3 years | $-9,086 |
| 5 years | $-6,317 |
| 7 years | $-3,548 |
| 9 years | $-779 |
| 11 years | $1,990 |
| 13 years | $4,759 |
| 15 years | $7,527 |
| 17 years | $10,296 |
| 19 years | $13,065 |
| 21 years | $15,834 |
| 23 years | $18,603 |
| 25 years | $21,371 |
Top Solar Installers in Westport
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Westport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westport
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Westport: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Westport, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,822 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $28,054 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $35,431 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $42,954 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $50,623 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $58,437 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $66,397 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $74,503 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Westport, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westport?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westport?
Solar panels aren't free in Westport, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 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.