Solar Panel Cost Guide in De Pere, WI (2024 Update)
- De Pere Solar Installation Cost: $18,890
- 25-Year Savings: $24,539
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in De Pere
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in De Pere.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in De Pere, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in De Pere, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,890, or $27,013 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of De Pere homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average De Pere homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in De Pere
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,594 |
| 3 years | $-15,003 |
| 5 years | $-12,412 |
| 7 years | $-9,821 |
| 9 years | $-7,230 |
| 11 years | $-4,639 |
| 13 years | $-2,048 |
| 15 years | $543 |
| 17 years | $3,134 |
| 19 years | $5,725 |
| 21 years | $8,315 |
| 23 years | $10,906 |
| 25 years | $13,497 |
Top Solar Installers in De Pere
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar installer in De Pere, 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 De Pere
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in De Pere
Though the average cost of a solar system in De Pere is $18,890, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,880. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like De Pere, where sunlight is relatively 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 more impactful. 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 out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in De Pere, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $15,141 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,623 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $26,322 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $32,238 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $38,371 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $44,722 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $51,290 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $58,076 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 De Pere, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in De Pere?
The average cost of solar panels in De Pere 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in De Pere?
You can’t get solar panels for free in De Pere. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in De Pere, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in De Pere?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.