Solar Panel Cost Guide in Appleton, WI (2024 Update)
- Appleton Solar Installation Cost: $19,636
- 25-Year Savings: $23,063
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Appleton
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Appleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Appleton it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Appleton is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,636 for a solar installation, or $28,079 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Appleton homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Appleton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Appleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,341 |
| 3 years | $-15,750 |
| 5 years | $-13,159 |
| 7 years | $-10,568 |
| 9 years | $-7,977 |
| 11 years | $-5,386 |
| 13 years | $-2,795 |
| 15 years | $-204 |
| 17 years | $2,387 |
| 19 years | $4,978 |
| 21 years | $7,569 |
| 23 years | $10,160 |
| 25 years | $12,751 |
Top Solar Installers in Appleton
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Appleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Appleton
The cost of installing a solar system in Appleton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 around $3,880. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Appleton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar companies in Appleton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Appleton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $13,112 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,917 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,940 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,180 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,637 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,311 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,203 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,312 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose 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 keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Appleton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Appleton?
The average cost of solar panels in Appleton is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Appleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Appleton is currently $259,282, so you can expect a value of about $10,631 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Appleton is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Appleton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.