Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hayward, WI (2024 Update)
- Hayward Solar Installation Cost: $20,580
- 25-Year Savings: $25,555
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hayward
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hayward.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hayward, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $20,580 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Hayward can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Hayward for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Hayward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,377 |
| 3 years | $-16,970 |
| 5 years | $-14,563 |
| 7 years | $-12,156 |
| 9 years | $-9,749 |
| 11 years | $-7,342 |
| 13 years | $-4,935 |
| 15 years | $-2,528 |
| 17 years | $-121 |
| 19 years | $2,286 |
| 21 years | $4,693 |
| 23 years | $7,100 |
| 25 years | $9,506 |
Top Solar Installers in Hayward
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hayward, we've put together 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 Hayward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hayward
For many Hayward homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hayward, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Hayward, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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 companies in Hayward have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hayward is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $14,207 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $19,377 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $24,764 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $30,369 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $36,191 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $42,230 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $48,487 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $54,961 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence 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 some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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 Hayward, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hayward?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hayward?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hayward. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Hayward?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.