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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Altoona
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Altoona.
In Altoona, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Altoona, the average price of going solar will be about $20,119 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Altoona see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Altoona that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Altoona is $20,119, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Altoona, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Altoona homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 companies available in Altoona, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Altoona?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Altoona?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Altoona, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.