Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wind Lake, WI (2024 Update)

  • Wind Lake Solar Installation Cost: $18,973
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,059
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wind Lake

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Wind Lake.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wind Lake it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $18,973 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wind Lake find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Wind Lake, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wind Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,678
3 years $-15,087
5 years $-12,496
7 years $-9,905
9 years $-7,314
11 years $-4,723
13 years $-2,132
15 years $459
17 years $3,050
19 years $5,641
21 years $8,232
23 years $10,823
25 years $13,414

Top Solar Installers in Wind Lake

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you're searching for a solar company in Wind Lake, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Wind Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wind Lake

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Wind Lake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wind Lake, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Wind Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 car 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 $4.04 $16,948 $18,072 12.1 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $24,531 11.9 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $31,206 11.6 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $38,099 11.4 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $45,210 11.2 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $52,538 10.9 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $60,082 10.7 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $67,845 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Wind Lake, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wind Lake?

The average cost of solar panels in Wind Lake is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wind Lake?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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