Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Berlin, WI (2024 Update)

  • New Berlin Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,625
  • Payback Period: 12.0 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

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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 New Berlin

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in New Berlin.

In New Berlin, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in New Berlin, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,621, or $28,058 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average New Berlin homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in New Berlin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,326
3 years $-15,735
5 years $-13,144
7 years $-10,553
9 years $-7,962
11 years $-5,371
13 years $-2,780
15 years $-189
17 years $2,402
19 years $4,993
21 years $7,584
23 years $10,175
25 years $12,766

Top Solar Installers in New Berlin

Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 New Berlin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Berlin

The cost of installing a solar system in New Berlin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,880 per kilowatt in New Berlin.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in New Berlin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 $16,915 12.5 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $22,988 12.3 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $29,279 12.0 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $35,786 11.8 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $42,511 11.5 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $49,453 11.3 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $56,613 11.1 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $63,989 10.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will impact 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 take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 New Berlin, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in New Berlin?

The average cost of solar panels in New Berlin 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in New Berlin?

You can’t get solar panels for free in New Berlin. However, you may still be able to install 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.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout New Berlin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate 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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.

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