Solar Panel Cost Guide in Baraboo, WI (2023 Update)
- Baraboo Solar Installation Cost: $13,321
- 25-Year Savings: $26,813
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Baraboo
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Baraboo.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Baraboo typically cost about 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Baraboo is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,322 for a solar installation, or $19,050 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Baraboo can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Baraboo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Baraboo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,188 |
| 3 years | $-12,920 |
| 5 years | $-12,652 |
| 7 years | $-12,385 |
| 9 years | $-12,117 |
| 11 years | $-11,850 |
| 13 years | $-11,582 |
| 15 years | $-11,315 |
| 17 years | $-11,047 |
| 19 years | $-10,780 |
| 21 years | $-10,512 |
| 23 years | $-10,244 |
| 25 years | $-9,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Baraboo
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Baraboo, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Baraboo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Baraboo
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Baraboo is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Baraboo know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $21,543 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $29,015 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $36,633 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $44,396 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $52,305 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $60,359 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $68,560 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $76,905 | 7.5 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing 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 Baraboo, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Baraboo?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
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 $1,096.65 per year.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.