Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beaver Dam, WI (2023 Update)
- Beaver Dam Solar Installation Cost: $13,250
- 25-Year Savings: $27,098
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beaver Dam
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Beaver Dam.
The average cost of a solar system in Beaver Dam is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Beaver Dam is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,250 for a solar installation, or $18,948 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Beaver Dam 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 adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Beaver Dam can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote 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 | $-11,636 |
| 3 years | $-8,408 |
| 5 years | $-5,180 |
| 7 years | $-1,952 |
| 9 years | $1,276 |
| 11 years | $4,503 |
| 13 years | $7,731 |
| 15 years | $10,959 |
| 17 years | $14,187 |
| 19 years | $17,415 |
| 21 years | $20,642 |
| 23 years | $23,870 |
| 25 years | $27,098 |
Top Solar Installers in Beaver Dam
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Beaver Dam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beaver Dam
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,600 per kilowatt in Beaver Dam. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Beaver Dam offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Beaver Dam is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $21,899 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $29,490 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $37,226 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $45,108 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $53,136 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $61,309 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $69,628 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $78,093 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- 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 Beaver Dam, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Beaver Dam?
The average cost of solar panels in Beaver Dam is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Beaver Dam?
You can't get solar panels for free in Beaver Dam. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.