Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wind Lake, WI (Mar 2023)
- Wind Lake Solar Installation Cost: $12,722
- 25-Year Savings: $28,051
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wind Lake
We break down average solar pricing in Wind Lake.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wind Lake typically cost around 2.6. The average Wind Lake homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,722 with the federal tax credit, or $18,192 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wind Lake find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wind Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,091 |
| 3 years | $-7,829 |
| 5 years | $-4,567 |
| 7 years | $-1,305 |
| 9 years | $1,956 |
| 11 years | $5,218 |
| 13 years | $8,480 |
| 15 years | $11,742 |
| 17 years | $15,004 |
| 19 years | $18,266 |
| 21 years | $21,528 |
| 23 years | $24,789 |
| 25 years | $28,051 |
Top Solar Installers in Wind Lake
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Wind Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wind Lake
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost 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
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,600 per kilowatt in Wind Lake. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wind Lake homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $23,663 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $31,842 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $40,166 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $48,636 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $57,252 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $66,013 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $74,920 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $83,973 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Wind Lake, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wind Lake?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Wind Lake?
Though 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 continue to use 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.