Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chippewa Falls, WI (2023 Update)
- Chippewa Falls Solar Installation Cost: $13,459
- 25-Year Savings: $23,369
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chippewa Falls
We go over average solar pricing in Chippewa Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chippewa Falls it's 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than 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. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Chippewa Falls for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Chippewa Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,355 |
| 3 years | $-10,146 |
| 5 years | $-7,938 |
| 7 years | $-5,729 |
| 9 years | $-3,521 |
| 11 years | $-1,312 |
| 13 years | $896 |
| 15 years | $3,105 |
| 17 years | $5,313 |
| 19 years | $7,522 |
| 21 years | $9,730 |
| 23 years | $11,939 |
| 25 years | $14,147 |
Top Solar Installers in Chippewa Falls
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Chippewa Falls:
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 Chippewa Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa Falls
The cost of installing a solar system in Chippewa Falls can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chippewa Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Chippewa Falls' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,523 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,989 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,600 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,356 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,259 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,307 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,500 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,839 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
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 Chippewa Falls, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chippewa Falls?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chippewa Falls, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher level 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.