Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kenosha, WI (2024 Update)

  • Kenosha Solar Installation Cost: $18,946
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,078
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kenosha

We go over average solar pricing in Kenosha.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kenosha, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Kenosha homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,946 with the federal tax credit, or $27,093 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Kenosha can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Kenosha that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Kenosha

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,650
3 years $-15,059
5 years $-12,468
7 years $-9,877
9 years $-7,286
11 years $-4,695
13 years $-2,104
15 years $487
17 years $3,078
19 years $5,669
21 years $8,260
23 years $10,851
25 years $13,441

Top Solar Installers in Kenosha

When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Kenosha

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kenosha

Though the average cost of a solar system in Kenosha is $18,946, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,880. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, 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 only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

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 Kenosha homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Kenosha homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Kenosha’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kenosha know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $18,123 12.1 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $24,598 11.8 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $31,291 11.6 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $38,201 11.4 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $45,328 11.2 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $52,673 10.9 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $60,235 10.7 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $68,014 10.5 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. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • 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.
  • Installation Process: Get details 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.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Kenosha, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kenosha?

The average cost of solar panels in Kenosha is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Kenosha, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.

Follow us