Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Allis, WI (2024 Update)
- West Allis Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
- 25-Year Savings: $28,276
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Allis
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Allis.
The average cost of a solar system in West Allis is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in West Allis, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,650, or $26,670 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Allis see about $23,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in West Allis for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in West Allis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,354 |
| 3 years | $-14,763 |
| 5 years | $-12,172 |
| 7 years | $-9,581 |
| 9 years | $-6,990 |
| 11 years | $-4,399 |
| 13 years | $-1,808 |
| 15 years | $783 |
| 17 years | $3,374 |
| 19 years | $5,965 |
| 21 years | $8,556 |
| 23 years | $11,147 |
| 25 years | $13,738 |
Top Solar Installers in West Allis
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in West Allis, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 West Allis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Allis
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Allis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in West Allis, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Allis, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many West Allis homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in West Allis, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 offers 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 | $18,679 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $25,340 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $32,219 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $39,314 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $46,627 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $54,157 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $61,905 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $69,870 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into 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 West Allis, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Allis?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose 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 keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in West Allis?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Allis?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.