Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chippewa Falls, WI (2024 Update)
- Chippewa Falls Solar Installation Cost: $20,085
- 25-Year Savings: $23,369
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chippewa Falls
We break down average solar pricing in Chippewa Falls.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chippewa Falls, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Chippewa Falls, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,085, or $28,722 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Chippewa Falls based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Chippewa Falls homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Chippewa Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,981 |
| 3 years | $-16,773 |
| 5 years | $-14,564 |
| 7 years | $-12,355 |
| 9 years | $-10,147 |
| 11 years | $-7,938 |
| 13 years | $-5,730 |
| 15 years | $-3,521 |
| 17 years | $-1,313 |
| 19 years | $896 |
| 21 years | $3,104 |
| 23 years | $5,313 |
| 25 years | $7,521 |
Top Solar Installers in Chippewa Falls
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Chippewa Falls:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Chippewa Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa Falls
There are a number of factors that can play into your total 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chippewa Falls, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
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.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $12,932 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,677 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,640 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,819 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,216 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,831 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,662 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,711 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence 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 consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Chippewa Falls, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chippewa Falls?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chippewa Falls?
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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity 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 $995.99 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Chippewa Falls?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.