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

  • Cudahy Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,738
  • Payback Period: 11.4 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 Cudahy

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cudahy.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cudahy, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $18,650 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Cudahy homeowner can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cudahy

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,354
3 years $-14,763
5 years $-12,172
7 years $-9,581
9 years $-6,990
11 years $-4,399
13 years $-1,808
15 years $783
17 years $3,374
19 years $5,965
21 years $8,556
23 years $11,147
25 years $13,738

Top Solar Installers in Cudahy

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Cudahy

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cudahy

Though the average cost of a solar system in Cudahy is $18,650, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,880 per kilowatt in Cudahy.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cudahy to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cudahy homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Cudahy’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $18,679 11.9 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $25,340 11.7 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $32,219 11.4 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $39,314 11.2 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $46,627 11.0 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $54,157 10.7 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $61,905 10.5 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $69,870 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Cudahy, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

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 Cudahy, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cudahy?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 higher level 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.

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