Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, WI (2025 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $19,541
- 25-Year Savings: $23,667
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Clayton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clayton it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clayton, the average price of going solar will be about $19,541 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Clayton homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Clayton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,293 |
| 3 years | $-15,796 |
| 5 years | $-13,299 |
| 7 years | $-10,802 |
| 9 years | $-8,305 |
| 11 years | $-5,808 |
| 13 years | $-3,311 |
| 15 years | $-814 |
| 17 years | $1,683 |
| 19 years | $4,179 |
| 21 years | $6,676 |
| 23 years | $9,173 |
| 25 years | $11,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
While the average cost of a solar system in Clayton is $19,541, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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 solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Clayton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clayton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Clayton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $13,709 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,713 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,935 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $29,374 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $35,030 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,903 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $46,994 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $53,302 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence 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 some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
EcoWatch's Clayton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clayton?
Solar panels aren’t free in Clayton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clayton?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.