Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottage Grove, WI (2024 Update)
- Cottage Grove Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $26,797
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottage Grove
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Cottage Grove.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cottage Grove, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized 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 | $-18,372 |
| 3 years | $-15,603 |
| 5 years | $-12,834 |
| 7 years | $-10,066 |
| 9 years | $-7,297 |
| 11 years | $-4,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,759 |
| 15 years | $1,010 |
| 17 years | $3,779 |
| 19 years | $6,547 |
| 21 years | $9,316 |
| 23 years | $12,085 |
| 25 years | $14,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottage Grove
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cottage Grove, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
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 Cottage Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottage Grove
Though the average cost of a solar system in Cottage Grove is $19,756, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Cottage Grove, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cottage Grove homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottage Grove is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $16,075 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,868 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,878 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,105 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,550 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,212 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,091 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,188 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Cottage Grove, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
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 Cottage Grove, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottage Grove?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other 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.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cottage Grove?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Cottage Grove?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.