Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor, WI (2024 Update)

  • Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,754
  • Payback Period: 13.0 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 Windsor

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Windsor.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Windsor, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Windsor, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,756, or $28,251 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Windsor for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Windsor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,511
3 years $-16,019
5 years $-13,527
7 years $-11,035
9 years $-8,544
11 years $-6,052
13 years $-3,560
15 years $-1,068
17 years $1,423
19 years $3,915
21 years $6,407
23 years $8,898
25 years $11,390

Top Solar Installers in Windsor

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Windsor, thereby optimizing your ROI.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Windsor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor

Though the average cost of a solar system in Windsor is $19,756, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Windsor, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Windsor, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Windsor homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Windsor, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 $4.04 $16,948 $14,390 13.5 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $19,621 13.3 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $25,069 13.0 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $30,735 12.7 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $36,618 12.5 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $42,718 12.2 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $49,036 12.0 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $55,571 11.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds 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 done and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.

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 Windsor, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor?

The average cost of solar panels in Windsor 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Windsor have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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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