Solar Panel Cost Guide in French Island, WI (2024 Update)
- French Island Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
- 25-Year Savings: $22,894
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in French Island
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in French Island.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in French Island, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $20,137 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of French Island homeowners. The cost 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 significant initial cost, the average French Island homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in French Island, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in French Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,033 |
| 3 years | $-16,824 |
| 5 years | $-14,616 |
| 7 years | $-12,407 |
| 9 years | $-10,199 |
| 11 years | $-7,990 |
| 13 years | $-5,782 |
| 15 years | $-3,573 |
| 17 years | $-1,365 |
| 19 years | $844 |
| 21 years | $3,052 |
| 23 years | $5,261 |
| 25 years | $7,469 |
Top Solar Installers in French Island
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in French Island, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in French Island:
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 French Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in French Island
The cost of installing a solar system in French Island can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in French Island have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $12,498 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,099 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,917 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $26,952 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,205 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $37,675 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,362 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,266 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 get the job done well. Another way you can check 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 French Island, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in French Island?
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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout French Island, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 French Island?
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 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.