Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beaver Dam, WI (2025 Update)
- Beaver Dam Solar Installation Cost: $19,771
- 25-Year Savings: $27,099
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beaver Dam
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Beaver Dam.
The average cost of solar panels in Beaver Dam is 4 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Beaver Dam, the average price of going solar will be about $19,771 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Beaver Dam find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Beaver Dam, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beaver Dam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,475 |
| 3 years | $-15,884 |
| 5 years | $-13,293 |
| 7 years | $-10,703 |
| 9 years | $-8,112 |
| 11 years | $-5,521 |
| 13 years | $-2,930 |
| 15 years | $-339 |
| 17 years | $2,252 |
| 19 years | $4,843 |
| 21 years | $7,434 |
| 23 years | $10,025 |
| 25 years | $12,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Beaver Dam
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Beaver Dam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beaver Dam
There are a number of factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Beaver Dam, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Beaver Dam to be prohibitively 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 for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Beaver Dam, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Beaver Dam know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $16,308 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $22,179 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $28,266 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,572 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $41,094 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,834 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,791 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,965 | 11.0 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
EcoWatch's Beaver Dam, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beaver Dam?
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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Beaver Dam?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Beaver Dam?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 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.