Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcadia, WI (2023 Update)
- Arcadia Solar Installation Cost: $13,482
- 25-Year Savings: $23,315
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcadia
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Arcadia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Arcadia generally cost around 2.6. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Arcadia, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,486, or $19,285 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Arcadia can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Arcadia for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Arcadia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,378 |
| 3 years | $-10,170 |
| 5 years | $-7,961 |
| 7 years | $-5,753 |
| 9 years | $-3,544 |
| 11 years | $-1,336 |
| 13 years | $873 |
| 15 years | $3,081 |
| 17 years | $5,290 |
| 19 years | $7,498 |
| 21 years | $9,707 |
| 23 years | $11,915 |
| 25 years | $14,124 |
Top Solar Installers in Arcadia
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Arcadia, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Arcadia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcadia
The cost of installing a solar system in Arcadia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Arcadia, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Arcadia to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Arcadia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,447 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,887 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,472 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,204 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,081 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,103 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,271 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,585 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall 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 consider, including:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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.
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 Arcadia, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arcadia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $993.45 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Arcadia?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.