Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hudson, WI (2024 Update)
- Hudson Solar Installation Cost: $19,998
- 25-Year Savings: $21,221
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hudson
We break down average solar pricing in Hudson.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hudson is 4 per watt.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Hudson, the average price of going solar will be about $19,998 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hudson 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.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Hudson homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hudson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,894 |
| 3 years | $-16,685 |
| 5 years | $-14,477 |
| 7 years | $-12,268 |
| 9 years | $-10,060 |
| 11 years | $-7,851 |
| 13 years | $-5,643 |
| 15 years | $-3,434 |
| 17 years | $-1,226 |
| 19 years | $983 |
| 21 years | $3,191 |
| 23 years | $5,400 |
| 25 years | $7,608 |
Top Solar Installers in Hudson
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hudson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hudson
While the average cost of a solar system in Hudson is $19,998, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hudson, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hudson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $11,265 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,454 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $19,861 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $24,485 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $29,327 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $34,385 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $39,661 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $45,155 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Hudson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hudson?
The average cost of solar panels in Hudson 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hudson?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hudson. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Hudson?
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 replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.