Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glendale, WI (2024 Update)
- Glendale Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glendale
We go over average solar pricing in Glendale.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Glendale generally cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Glendale, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,650, or $26,670 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Glendale find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Glendale
| 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 Glendale
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Glendale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glendale
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Glendale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Glendale.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Glendale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Glendale homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Glendale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 promotions 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Glendale, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glendale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Glendale, 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 Glendale?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.