Solar Panel Cost Guide in Somerset, WI (2024 Update)
- Somerset Solar Installation Cost: $19,998
- 25-Year Savings: $22,662
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Somerset
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Somerset.
The average cost of solar panels in Somerset is 4 per watt.The average Somerset homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,998 with the federal tax credit, or $28,597 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Somerset can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Somerset for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Somerset
| 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 Somerset
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Somerset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Somerset
For many Somerset homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Somerset, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Somerset.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Somerset offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Somerset, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $12,439 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,020 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,818 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $26,833 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,066 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $37,516 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,183 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,068 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types 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, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Somerset, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Somerset?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Somerset?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Somerset?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.