Solar Panel Cost Guide in Altoona, WI (Mar 2023)
- Altoona Solar Installation Cost: $13,486
- 25-Year Savings: $23,355
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altoona
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Altoona.
In Altoona, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average Altoona homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,486 with the federal tax credit, or $19,285 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Altoona find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Altoona
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,013 |
| 3 years | $-9,065 |
| 5 years | $-6,118 |
| 7 years | $-3,171 |
| 9 years | $-223 |
| 11 years | $2,724 |
| 13 years | $5,671 |
| 15 years | $8,618 |
| 17 years | $11,566 |
| 19 years | $14,513 |
| 21 years | $17,460 |
| 23 years | $20,408 |
| 25 years | $23,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Altoona
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Altoona
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Altoona
Though the average cost of a solar system in Altoona is $13,486, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,600 per kilowatt in Altoona. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Altoona, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,484 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,936 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,534 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,278 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,167 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,202 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,383 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,709 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Altoona, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Altoona?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Altoona have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.