Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, WI (2024 Update)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $20,619
- 25-Year Savings: $24,654
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Superior.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Superior typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $20,619 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Superior find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,490 |
| 3 years | $-17,231 |
| 5 years | $-14,973 |
| 7 years | $-12,714 |
| 9 years | $-10,455 |
| 11 years | $-8,197 |
| 13 years | $-5,938 |
| 15 years | $-3,679 |
| 17 years | $-1,421 |
| 19 years | $838 |
| 21 years | $3,096 |
| 23 years | $5,355 |
| 25 years | $7,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed 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 Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
There are many factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Superior.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Superior, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Superior offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Superior, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $13,457 | 13.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,377 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,515 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,870 | 13.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,442 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,231 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $46,238 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $52,461 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Superior, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Superior, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Superior?
The average cost of solar panels in Superior 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Superior?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Superior is currently $198,087, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,122 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Superior is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Superior?
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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.