Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barron, WI (2023 Update)
- Barron Solar Installation Cost: $13,523
- 25-Year Savings: $22,062
- Payback Period: 9.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barron
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Barron.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Barron it's 2.6 per watt. The average Barron homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,523 with the federal tax credit, or $19,338 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Barron homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Barron can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Barron, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Barron
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,099 |
| 3 years | $-9,252 |
| 5 years | $-6,406 |
| 7 years | $-3,559 |
| 9 years | $-712 |
| 11 years | $2,134 |
| 13 years | $4,981 |
| 15 years | $7,828 |
| 17 years | $10,675 |
| 19 years | $13,521 |
| 21 years | $16,368 |
| 23 years | $19,215 |
| 25 years | $22,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Barron
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Barron
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barron
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Barron: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise 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 Barron, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Barron homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Barron, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $17,389 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $23,477 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $29,710 | 9.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $36,089 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $42,614 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $49,284 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $56,099 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $63,061 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Barron, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Barron?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Barron?
A solar panel system isn't free in Barron, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power 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 $958.21 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.