Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottage Grove, WI (2023 Update)
- Cottage Grove Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $26,804
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottage Grove
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cottage Grove.
In Cottage Grove, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average Cottage Grove homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,231 with the federal tax credit, or $18,920 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Cottage Grove based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Cottage Grove can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Cottage Grove, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottage Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,630 |
| 3 years | $-8,427 |
| 5 years | $-5,224 |
| 7 years | $-2,021 |
| 9 years | $1,181 |
| 11 years | $4,384 |
| 13 years | $7,587 |
| 15 years | $10,790 |
| 17 years | $13,993 |
| 19 years | $17,196 |
| 21 years | $20,398 |
| 23 years | $23,601 |
| 25 years | $26,804 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottage Grove
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Cottage Grove, optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cottage Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottage Grove
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Cottage Grove homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cottage Grove, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cottage Grove are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $21,666 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $29,179 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $36,838 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $44,642 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $52,592 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $60,688 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $68,929 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $77,316 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Cottage Grove, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cottage Grove?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cottage Grove?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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.