Solar Panel Cost Guide in St. Joseph, WI (2024 Update)
- St. Joseph Solar Installation Cost: $19,998
- 25-Year Savings: $21,714
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in St. Joseph
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in St. Joseph.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in St. Joseph it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in St. Joseph is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,998 for a solar installation, or $28,597 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average St. Joseph homeowner. 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.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in St. Joseph can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in St. Joseph
| 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 St. Joseph
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 St. Joseph
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in St. Joseph
Though the average cost of a solar system in St. Joseph is $19,998, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in St. Joseph.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many St. Joseph homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in St. Joseph, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $11,667 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,990 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,531 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,289 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,264 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $35,456 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $40,866 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $46,493 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 St. Joseph, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in St. Joseph?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in St. Joseph?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.