Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baraboo, WI (2024 Update)
- Baraboo Solar Installation Cost: $19,880
- 25-Year Savings: $26,813
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baraboo
We break down average solar pricing in Baraboo.
In Baraboo, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,880 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Baraboo can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Baraboo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,772 |
| 3 years | $-16,558 |
| 5 years | $-14,343 |
| 7 years | $-12,128 |
| 9 years | $-9,914 |
| 11 years | $-7,699 |
| 13 years | $-5,484 |
| 15 years | $-3,270 |
| 17 years | $-1,055 |
| 19 years | $1,160 |
| 21 years | $3,374 |
| 23 years | $5,589 |
| 25 years | $7,803 |
Top Solar Installers in Baraboo
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
See all of the solar companies in Baraboo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baraboo
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Baraboo: 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 solar panels in Baraboo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Baraboo, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Baraboo to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. 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 prices, 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 | $15,952 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,704 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,673 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $33,859 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,263 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $46,884 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $53,722 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $60,777 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Baraboo, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Baraboo?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Baraboo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Baraboo. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Baraboo is currently $252,492, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,352 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Baraboo is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.