Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caledonia, WI (Feb 2023)
- Caledonia Solar Installation Cost: $12,722
- 25-Year Savings: $28,051
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caledonia
We break down average solar pricing in Caledonia.
The average cost of a solar system in Caledonia is $3 per watt. Because a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Caledonia, the average price of going solar will be about $12,722 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Caledonia depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $22,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Caledonia find installing solar panels can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-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 | $-11,091 |
| 3 years | $-7,829 |
| 5 years | $-4,567 |
| 7 years | $-1,305 |
| 9 years | $1,956 |
| 11 years | $5,218 |
| 13 years | $8,480 |
| 15 years | $11,742 |
| 17 years | $15,004 |
| 19 years | $18,266 |
| 21 years | $21,528 |
| 23 years | $24,789 |
| 25 years | $28,051 |
Top Solar Installers in Caledonia
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people 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.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Caledonia: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Caledonia average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Caledonia, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Caledonia, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Caledonia, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Caledonia?
The average cost of solar panels in Caledonia 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Caledonia?
You can't get solar panels for free in Caledonia. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $1,167.33 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Caledonia?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.