Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caledonia, WI (2023 Update)
- Caledonia Solar Installation Cost: $12,714
- 25-Year Savings: $28,059
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caledonia
We go over average solar pricing in Caledonia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Caledonia it's 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Caledonia is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,722 for a solar installation, or $18,192 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Caledonia find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Caledonia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Caledonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,418 |
| 3 years | $-8,827 |
| 5 years | $-6,236 |
| 7 years | $-3,646 |
| 9 years | $-1,055 |
| 11 years | $1,536 |
| 13 years | $4,127 |
| 15 years | $6,718 |
| 17 years | $9,309 |
| 19 years | $11,900 |
| 21 years | $14,491 |
| 23 years | $17,082 |
| 25 years | $19,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Caledonia
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Caledonia, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Caledonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caledonia
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Caledonia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,600. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Caledonia to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Caledonia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Caledonia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $23,663 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $31,842 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $40,166 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $48,636 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $57,252 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $66,013 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $74,920 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $83,973 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Caledonia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Caledonia, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Caledonia?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Caledonia?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.