Best 5 Solar Companies in West Allis, WI

West Allis residents are intentional about conserving resources and living greener lifestyles. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this article, we'll show you West Allis' best solar companies and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has thoroughly vetted dozens of solar providers near West Allis, focusing on the following criteria:

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the West Allis community for over 15 years.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most West Allis solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to West Allis Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in West Allis

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these elements in your business search.

Licensing and Training

For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to be the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar PV systems, but either your city government or the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings may have to review building plans before you begin. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in West Allis

Your solar modules' model will affect how much power you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $19,400 for a five-kilowatt solar array in West Allis. This table shows more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in West Allis

Choosing the correct financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We suggest paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in West Allis.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy