Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor, WI (Mar 2023)
- Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $24,761
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Windsor.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Windsor it's 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Windsor, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,231, or $18,920 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Windsor can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Windsor, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Windsor
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,712 |
| 3 years | $-8,672 |
| 5 years | $-5,633 |
| 7 years | $-2,594 |
| 9 years | $446 |
| 11 years | $3,485 |
| 13 years | $6,525 |
| 15 years | $9,564 |
| 17 years | $12,604 |
| 19 years | $15,643 |
| 21 years | $18,682 |
| 23 years | $21,722 |
| 25 years | $24,761 |
Top Solar Installers in Windsor
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Windsor, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Windsor
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Windsor: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,600. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Windsor, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Windsor to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Windsor is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk 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 down 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $19,981 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,932 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $34,029 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $41,272 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $48,660 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $56,194 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $63,873 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $71,699 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Windsor, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Windsor, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Windsor?
A solar panel system isn't free in Windsor, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Windsor have a net metering program?
The majority of states have 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.