Solar Panels Cost 5.2k-15k in Waukesha, WI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.2k-$15k in Waukesha, WI | October, 2024

High Power Bills?

Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar

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

The average cost per watt for a solar panel installation in Waukesha, WI in October, 2024 is $3.73/W.

It will cost $3,730, on average, for every 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacity that your solar panels have. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system in Waukesha will set you back $13,055. It's vital to consider that a more extensive system could be necessary to fulfill your energy requirements.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. The following outline, below, highlights the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Waukesha: $13,055US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Waukesha: 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.
Waukesha: $9,987US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Waukesha

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

Roof size 822sq. ft.
Capacity 11.5kW DC
Electricity 13kkWh AC per yr.

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

The standard monthly kWh usage for a Waukesha resident is 626, with an average monthly bill of $119.32. Flats and other smaller residences with lower energy consumption are included in this figure.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Waukesha, WI is 19.07¢ per kWh.

In Waukesha, typical consumers has to have a system size of 6 kW or greater to fully account for their entire energy consumption demands. The expense for a a 6 kW solar panel installation is approximately $22,380 before any incentives, but the federal tax credit gives you back 30%, bringing the price down to $15,666.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Waukesha

To the left, you'll see a detailed price breakdown of the different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Waukesha. Even though a more extensive solar installation comes with a greater cost, it also provides greater electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

In the solar panel cost calculator found below and to the right, you can see a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $119.32electric bill in Waukesha. For custom results, update the $119.32 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
$5,222
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 2.27 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 104 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,614 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $815 a year
Est. Price
$7,833
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 3.4 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 156 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,422 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,086 a year
Est. Price
$10,444
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 4.54 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 208 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,229 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,358 a year
Est. Price
$13,055
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 5.67 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 260 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,036 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,629 a year
Est. Price
$15,666
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $119
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 274 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,760 mi less a year

Waukesha Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you own a farm or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

With the accessibility of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a feasible solution for most homeowners, especially in various parts of the country. Alongside federal incentives, there are many state and local initiatives to encourage solar energy adoption.

Wisconsin residents have access to 12 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from different utilities and governmental agencies.

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?

For homeowners in Waukesha looking to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the best choice. In Waukesha, WI, a 5 kW solar system installation might save you $15,581.8 on average over 20 years, with a usual break even point of 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Waukesha, WI

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the earlier mentioned savings and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that full reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Waukesha is 0.83. On average, the length of an outage is 114.75 minutes. Major events like tornadoes, grid management errors, or wildlife damage can cause these durations to rise considerably.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system could ease the strain of possible future power disruptions you may face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Waukesha County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

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

Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is greater, the price per watt reduces as the system gets larger. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can generate enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is advantageous, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - Like many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels on the market. Your installer’s system preferences might necessitate choosing a recommended contractor. The selection of high-quality makes and models can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. Despite the higher price tag, these panels provide greater energy output. Most installation experts use panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues such as trees, uneven landscapes, or other impediments may add to the complexity of the installation. Most solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and incorporate these factors in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees receive varying wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Higher wages typically lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility level interconnection fees vary by area and will affect your final install price. Quality local installers will build these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Who are the best solar installers in Waukesha?

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

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

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

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

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

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

Endries Solar & Electric

Sheboygan, WI(920) 889-8955

Services

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

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.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

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.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

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

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

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.

Generac

Waukesha, WI(888) 436-3722

Services

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

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

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

Bright Skies

Pleasant Grove, UT(608) 293-1163

Services

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

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

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

Olson Solar Energy

Onalaska, WI(608) 780-2347

Services

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

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

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

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

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

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

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

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

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

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

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

Current Electric

Wauwatosa, WI(262) 214-5598

Services

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

DT Solar

(888) 984-6786

Services

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

Waukesha, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Waukesha, WI is $3.73/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Waukesha, WI will cost approximately $13,055 after applying the federal tax credit.
  • Residents of Wisconsin can currently take advantage of 12 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Even though paying cash yields the best savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will include this information into your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Waukesha, WI stands at 9 years, yielding average electricity savings of $15,581.8 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01