Solar Panel Cost Guide in Altoona, WI (2024 Update)

  • Altoona Solar Installation Cost: $20,119
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,359
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altoona

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Altoona.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Altoona it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $20,119 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Altoona see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Altoona, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Altoona

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,014
3 years $-16,806
5 years $-14,597
7 years $-12,389
9 years $-10,180
11 years $-7,972
13 years $-5,763
15 years $-3,555
17 years $-1,346
19 years $862
21 years $3,071
23 years $5,279
25 years $7,488

Top Solar Installers in Altoona

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Altoona

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Altoona

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Altoona: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Altoona, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $12,893 14.2 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $17,625 13.9 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $22,574 13.7 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $27,741 13.4 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $33,125 13.1 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $38,727 12.8 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $44,545 12.6 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $50,581 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Altoona, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Altoona?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Altoona?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Altoona, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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