Solar Panel Cost Guide in Burlington, WI (2024 Update)
- Burlington Solar Installation Cost: $19,267
- 25-Year Savings: $25,812
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Burlington
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Burlington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Burlington it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Burlington, the average price of going solar will be about $19,267 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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 based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Burlington homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Burlington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,972 |
| 3 years | $-15,381 |
| 5 years | $-12,790 |
| 7 years | $-10,199 |
| 9 years | $-7,608 |
| 11 years | $-5,017 |
| 13 years | $-2,426 |
| 15 years | $165 |
| 17 years | $2,756 |
| 19 years | $5,347 |
| 21 years | $7,938 |
| 23 years | $10,529 |
| 25 years | $13,120 |
Top Solar Installers in Burlington
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Burlington, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Burlington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Burlington
The cost of installing a solar system in Burlington 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Burlington.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Burlington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $15,804 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,506 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,426 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $33,563 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $39,917 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $46,488 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $53,277 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $60,283 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Burlington, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Burlington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Burlington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Burlington. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Burlington?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.