Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chippewa Falls, WI (Mar 2023)
- Chippewa Falls Solar Installation Cost: $13,468
- 25-Year Savings: $23,360
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chippewa Falls
See how much it might cost to install solar panels 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. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Chippewa Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $13,468 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chippewa Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,995 |
| 3 years | $-9,049 |
| 5 years | $-6,102 |
| 7 years | $-3,156 |
| 9 years | $-210 |
| 11 years | $2,736 |
| 13 years | $5,683 |
| 15 years | $8,629 |
| 17 years | $11,575 |
| 19 years | $14,521 |
| 21 years | $17,468 |
| 23 years | $20,414 |
| 25 years | $23,360 |
Top Solar Installers in Chippewa Falls
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chippewa Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa Falls
For many Chippewa Falls homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chippewa Falls, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,600 per kilowatt in Chippewa Falls. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chippewa Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chippewa Falls, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $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
There are a large number of companies available in Chippewa Falls, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Chippewa Falls, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chippewa Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Chippewa Falls is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type 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 Chippewa Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 Chippewa Falls?
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 power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.