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
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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.The average solar panel system size in Wind Lake is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,973 for a solar installation, or $27,131 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Wind Lake based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Wind Lake homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
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
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Wind Lake, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Wind Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wind Lake
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major 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
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,880. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wind Lake to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.It’s wise 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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Wind Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar company you go with will influence 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, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wind Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Wind Lake?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.