4 Best Solar Companies in Lafayette, WI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Lafayette based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Lafayette, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Lafayette homeowner saves $1,609/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Lafayette
Thinking of going solar but trying to figure out which solar company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be hard to decide on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many great benefits. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your finances will thank you too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
If you’re thinking about going solar, the first step to make is to find the best solar companies in Lafayette and compare quotes. The good news is we went ahead and put together a list of the best solar companies so you don’t have to.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Lafayette, you can click "get quote" below.
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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Lafayette
Solar Chippewa Valley
Reliable Customer Support- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Skilled Repairs- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Next Step Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Midwest Solars
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Champion Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lafayette
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Lafayette based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Lafayette
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Wisconsin solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Lafayette
We know that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Where your home is: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
- The kind of solar panels you can purchase: This depends on your income and budget.
- How much you spend on energy: If your local utility rates are especially high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Lafayette, you can save an average of $1,104 a month on your electricity bills.
Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for many homeowners.
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Adopting solar energy can significantly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Lafayette, WI.
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Solar Incentives in Lafayette
In order to increase the number of homes and businesses that use solar power, federal, state and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make going solar more economical and accessible.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local incentives. Our article on solar incentives has more in-depth information on the incentives you can benefit from in Lafayette.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lafayette
There are a few important reasons why many people are considering solar energy: to help their wallet and the environment.You may be wondering – how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? One thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.Although solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Lafayette, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since solar power is renewable and makes electricity without releasing carbon emissions, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help the environment.
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 Lafayette, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Lafayette?
The best local solar company in Lafayette is Solar Chippewa Valley, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are some of the pros and cons of going solar?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your power bills, it’s eco-friendly, and it gives you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 13.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How long do solar panels last?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but 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.