Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitefish Bay, WI (2024 Update)
- Whitefish Bay Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitefish Bay
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Whitefish Bay.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whitefish Bay, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Whitefish Bay is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,650 for a solar installation, or $26,670 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Whitefish Bay homeowner can save around $23,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitefish Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,354 |
| 3 years | $-14,763 |
| 5 years | $-12,172 |
| 7 years | $-9,581 |
| 9 years | $-6,990 |
| 11 years | $-4,399 |
| 13 years | $-1,808 |
| 15 years | $783 |
| 17 years | $3,374 |
| 19 years | $5,965 |
| 21 years | $8,556 |
| 23 years | $11,147 |
| 25 years | $13,738 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitefish Bay
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Whitefish Bay, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Whitefish Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitefish Bay
Although the average cost of a solar system in Whitefish Bay is $18,650, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,880. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Whitefish Bay, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Whitefish Bay’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $18,679 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $25,340 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $32,219 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $39,314 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $46,627 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $54,157 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $61,905 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $69,870 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Whitefish Bay, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Whitefish Bay, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitefish Bay?
This is a hard 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Whitefish Bay?
Solar panels aren’t free in Whitefish Bay, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 it worth going solar in Whitefish Bay?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.