Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilson, WI (2023 Update)
- Wilson Solar Installation Cost: $12,688
- 25-Year Savings: $23,535
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Wilson.
The average cost of solar panels in Wilson is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Wilson is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,685 for a solar installation, or $18,140 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wilson homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wilson find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wilson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,567 |
| 3 years | $-12,326 |
| 5 years | $-12,084 |
| 7 years | $-11,843 |
| 9 years | $-11,601 |
| 11 years | $-11,360 |
| 13 years | $-11,118 |
| 15 years | $-10,877 |
| 17 years | $-10,635 |
| 19 years | $-10,394 |
| 21 years | $-10,152 |
| 23 years | $-9,911 |
| 25 years | $-9,669 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilson
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Wilson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilson
Although the average cost of a solar system in Wilson is $12,685, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Wilson, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wilson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Most solar companies in Wilson provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Wilson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $19,818 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,716 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $33,759 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $40,947 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $48,281 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $55,761 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $63,386 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $71,157 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Wilson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilson?
The average cost of solar panels in Wilson is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wilson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wilson?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.