Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottage Grove, WI (2023 Update)
- Cottage Grove Solar Installation Cost: $13,239
- 25-Year Savings: $26,797
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 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. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Cottage Grove, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,231, or $18,920 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cottage Grove homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cottage Grove find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottage Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,854 |
| 3 years | $-9,086 |
| 5 years | $-6,317 |
| 7 years | $-3,548 |
| 9 years | $-779 |
| 11 years | $1,990 |
| 13 years | $4,759 |
| 15 years | $7,527 |
| 17 years | $10,296 |
| 19 years | $13,065 |
| 21 years | $15,834 |
| 23 years | $18,603 |
| 25 years | $21,371 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottage Grove
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Cottage Grove is $13,231, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,600. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cottage Grove to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. 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 can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Cottage Grove, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Cottage Grove 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cottage Grove?
Solar panels aren't free in Cottage Grove, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,100.76 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.
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.