Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chilton, WI (2024 Update)
- Chilton Solar Installation Cost: $19,657
- 25-Year Savings: $23,440
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chilton
We go over average solar pricing in Chilton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chilton it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Chilton, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,657, or $28,110 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Chilton homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,361 |
| 3 years | $-15,770 |
| 5 years | $-13,179 |
| 7 years | $-10,588 |
| 9 years | $-7,997 |
| 11 years | $-5,406 |
| 13 years | $-2,815 |
| 15 years | $-224 |
| 17 years | $2,367 |
| 19 years | $4,958 |
| 21 years | $7,549 |
| 23 years | $10,140 |
| 25 years | $12,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Chilton
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Chilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chilton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Chilton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Chilton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chilton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Chilton are more knowledgeable 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 | $13,404 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,307 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,427 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,764 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,319 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,091 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $46,080 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $52,286 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total 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 take into account, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 past customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Chilton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chilton?
The average cost of solar panels in Chilton is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chilton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chilton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.