Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitefish Bay, WI (2023 Update)
- Whitefish Bay Solar Installation Cost: $12,497
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitefish Bay
We go over average solar pricing in Whitefish Bay.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Whitefish Bay it's 2.6 per watt. Because a 6.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Whitefish Bay, the average price of going solar will be about $12,503 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Whitefish Bay homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized 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 | $-11,202 |
| 3 years | $-8,611 |
| 5 years | $-6,020 |
| 7 years | $-3,429 |
| 9 years | $-838 |
| 11 years | $1,753 |
| 13 years | $4,344 |
| 15 years | $6,935 |
| 17 years | $9,526 |
| 19 years | $12,117 |
| 21 years | $14,708 |
| 23 years | $17,299 |
| 25 years | $19,890 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitefish Bay
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Whitefish Bay:
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 Whitefish Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitefish Bay
For many Whitefish Bay homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Whitefish Bay, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 around $2,600 per kilowatt in Whitefish Bay. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Whitefish Bay, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Whitefish Bay, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Whitefish Bay, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $24,270 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $32,652 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $41,179 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $49,851 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $58,669 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $67,633 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $76,743 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $85,998 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Whitefish Bay, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Whitefish Bay, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitefish Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitefish Bay is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Whitefish Bay have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.