Solar Panels Cost 5.1k-15k in Germantown, WI | November, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.1k-$15k in Germantown, WI | November, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Germantown, WI in 2024?

During November, 2024, the average cost for going solar in Germantown, WI was $3.68/W.

This means that, solar panels will cost you about $3,680 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of production capacity. After subtracting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in Germantown typically costs $12,880. To ensure your energy requirements are met, you may need a larger system.

On the left-hand side, you can select your county to see the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Below is a breakdown of the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Germantown: $12,880US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Germantown: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Germantown: $10,333US Average: $16,169

Solar Potential in Germantown

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Germantown.

Roof size 894sq. ft.
Capacity 12.5kW DC
Electricity 13.9kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Germantown, WI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical kWh usage for a Germantown resident is 624 monthly, with an average electric bill of $119.72. Consider that this statistic includes smaller residences including apartments, known for lower energy use.

Germantown, WI's electricity rate is 19.17¢ per kWh in November 2024.

An average energy consumer in Germantown must have a solar power system of at least 6 kW to account for their entire energy needs. Upfront, a 6 kWsolar installation will cost about $22,080, with the 30% tax credit, the price drops to $15,456.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Germantown

Displayed on the left side, is a comprehensive cost summary of the different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Germantown. A larger solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also yield more significant electricity savings and increased income tax credits.

The calculator down and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $119.72 in Germantown. If you prefer more tailored results, just modify the $119.72 to what your average electricity bill is.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $543 a year
Est. Price
$5,152
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $45
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.29 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,680 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $815 a year
Est. Price
$7,728
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.44 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 158 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,520 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,086 a year
Est. Price
$10,304
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,718 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.59 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 211 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,360 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,358 a year
Est. Price
$12,880
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,147 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $113
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.74 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 263 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,200 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,629 a year
Est. Price
$15,456
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $120
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.08 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 279 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 15,058 mi less a year

Germantown Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. Curious if you are eligible? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you find out.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar a sensible option in various states. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also aim to boost solar energy uptake.

In Wisconsin, different utilities and government bodies offer 12 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

Solar incentives in WI

Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program

Value:Up to $500,000

Through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, nonprofits and public-sector agencies may receive grants to fund large-scale renewable energy investments. The current grant amount is variable per kilowatt hour for power generation or per kBTU for thermal systems. There are two requests for proposals (RFPs) opened annually. Organizations must include the technical specifications for their planned equipment, estimated energy/cost savings, and a suggested funding amount based on rate schedule guidelines. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Design Assistance Program

Value:Up to $0.15

Through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, architects, building engineers, contractors, and property owners may be incentivized for meeting green construction standards. Qualifying projects include walls, lighting, windows/doors, insulation/weatherization, HVAC, water heating, and new renewable energy equipment. Awards are paid on a per-property basis; any home, business, or industrial facility may qualify. The current rebate amount is based on energy efficiency at a rate per kilowatt hour saved. Builders will receive a rebate during construction; property owners will receive their smaller rebate after construction is complete.

Renewable Rewards Program

Value:Up to $1,000

Wisconsin homeowners may be eligible for rebates on new solar PV/thermal and geothermal devices. For solar panels, the current rebate stands at $500 per array. Business customers are eligible for similar incentives but will be paid a capacity-based rebate. The maximum possible rebate is currently $1,000 for homes and $50,000 for businesses. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions

Value:Varies

Wisconsin sales/use tax exemptions apply to biofuel for residential energy production. Qualifying purchases include some agricultural crops, landfill gas, pellets, and wood chips/pellets/sawdust. Components used to store biofuels are not eligible for the exemption. Interested customers should submit a completed form S-211 to their retailer, who will apply for the exemption and offer a discount. Additional information and the necessary paperwork are available from the state Department of Revenue.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In Wisconsin, all private and local public electrical utilities are required to offer net metering to their interconnected renewable customers up to a maximum quota. Cooperatives may participate in net metering, but they are not required to offer it. Any system up to 300 kW is eligible. Upon entering a net metering contract, the customer's utility will install a bidirectional meter to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive either monthly or annual bill credits for the NEG they export at a fixed, avoided-cost rate. Fees and capacity limits may apply. The Public Service Commission reserves the right to alter any net metering or energy tariff program.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Wisconsin first established a renewable portfolio standard in 1999. Initial goals required at least 10% of the state's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology. New specific goals have never been implemented, but utilities are nonetheless obligated to increase their renewable energy activities at a rate of 6% per year. Carve-out provisions apply to keep most renewable investments within state lines. Compliance is measured using renewable energy credit (REC) and renewable resource credit (RRC) systems pegging one megawatt hour of electricity to a fluctuating dollar value. Utilities may generate credits through the use of their own renewable installations or purchase them through tariff arrangements and power purchase agreements. Each credit expires after four years of use.

Focus on Energy - Business & Marketing Grant

Value:Varies

Focus on Energy grant funding is available for Wisconsin businesses making new renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. The maximum available grant is $10,000 to fund half of project costs. Eligible projects include new solar, wind, or biomass energy systems not involved in academic or corporate research and development. Grants may also support professional training and marketing initiatives. To apply, the business should be located in a participating utility's service area and submit a successful proposal. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Energy Innovation Grant Program

Value:Varies

Wisconsin Energy Innovation grants are available to local governments, public schools, and manufacturing businesses making renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. The Public Service Commission keeps an annual grant budget of roughly $5 million to award in proportion. Grants can fund new generation/energy storage equipment, sustainable transportation, and engineering reviews/project studies. Application periods, known as requests for proposals, are opened annually. Additional information is available on the Public Service Commission's website.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Distributed generation and grid interconnection practices have been standardized in Wisconsin since 2004. Each new solar, wind, or other renewable energy system is sorted into one of four regulatory "categories" based on capacity. Category 1 ends at 20 kW, Category 2 at 200 kW, and Category 3 at one megawatt. The category of a system will determine the UL/IEEE standards it must follow and the rigor of its permitting process, including application fees and review turnaround time. The state requires all system owners, even of Category 1 systems, to hold minimum liability insurance coverage of more than $300,000 per occurrence. Utilities may further require the installation of external disconnect switches, but may not charge additional fees or require additional regulatory reviews beyond what is necessary. Additional information is available from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

Public Benefits Fund

Value:Varies

In 1999, the Wisconsin legislature first established a public benefits fund for renewable energy and energy efficiency among low-income residents. The fund's day-to-day business is managed by a public/private partnership between Focus on Energy and the Department of Administration. Current fund initiatives support incentives, loans, and grants to home and business owners. Funding is sourced through both consumer surcharges and mandatory utility "buy-ins." Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Energy Efficiency and Green Building Standards for State Buildings

Value:Varies

Public buildings in Wisconsin are subject to sustainability and green construction standards set by the state's Department of Administration. Standards apply to new and existing buildings. New buildings must demonstrate energy efficiency of at least 30% above the state's commercial building codes, themselves based on LEED standards. Remodeling projects in existing facilities should procure only those building materials and appliances which have earned ENERGY STAR certification or which meet EPA/ASHRAE standards. Additional information, including compliance reports, is available from the Department of Administration.

Focus on Energy Program

Value:Varies

Wisconsin Focus on Energy (FoE) is a public benefits fund providing a central management infrastructure for energy efficiency and renewable energy incentive and financing programs. Utilities may tap from the fund to support loans, grants, rebates, and educational initiatives. Funding is supported through customer surcharges and mandatory utility "buy-ins." Additional information is available from the FoE website.

Are solar panels worth it in Wisconsin?

If you plan to live in your home beyond the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an clear choice in Germantown. A 5 kW solar system in Germantown, WI could potentially save you $15,852.8 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point usually at 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Germantown, WI

Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings discussed earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. As illustrated in numerous recent news reports, total dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

Each year, utility customers in Germantown have faced an average of 0.68 outages per year. On average, an outage lasts 82.25 minutes. Major events such as planned maintenance, overloaded power grids or hurricanes can significantly extend these time frames.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Washington County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Germantown, WI?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. It is often beneficial for homeowners to install a solar system that can generate enough electricity to completely replace their electric bill, which results in significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. Considering the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's essential to choose a reputable contractor. Selecting better quality materials usually provides a more positive long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - For several valid reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Many installation experts use panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Factors such as trees, uneven landscapes, or additional hurdles may cause the installation to be more difficult. These days, the majority of solar installers can leverage satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these aspects into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies compensate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are passed down to consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees often receive higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the area, local permitting and utility interconnection fees will impact the cost of your installation. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to guarantee transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Germantown?

All Energy Solar

St. Paul, MN(800) 620-3370

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Dividend Finance

Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(407) 832-42452

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Bright Skies

Pleasant Grove, UT(608) 293-1163

Services

  • Reparation of batteries.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Olson Solar Energy

Onalaska, WI(608) 780-2347

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.

Current Electric

Wauwatosa, WI(262) 214-5598

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

DT Solar

(888) 984-6786

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Germantown, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of November, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Germantown, WI is $3.68/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Germantown, WI will roughly cost $12,880.
  • Currently, Wisconsin residents can benefit from 12 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash will lead to the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Installers frequently offer financing options and will include them in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Germantown, WI averages 9 years, with electricity savings of about $15,852.8 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-11-05