Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cross Plains, WI (2023 Update)

  • Cross Plains Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,817
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cross Plains

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cross Plains.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cross Plains typically cost about 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Cross Plains is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,231 for a solar installation, or $18,920 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Cross Plains based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Cross Plains can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Cross Plains that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Cross Plains

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,589
3 years $-8,306
5 years $-5,022
7 years $-1,738
9 years $1,546
11 years $4,830
13 years $8,114
15 years $11,398
17 years $14,681
19 years $17,965
21 years $21,249
23 years $24,533
25 years $27,817

Top Solar Installers in Cross Plains

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Cross Plains

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cross Plains

There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Cross Plains, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cross Plains, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Cross Plains' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cross Plains have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $22,501 8.4 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $30,293 8.2 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $38,230 8.1 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $46,313 7.9 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $54,542 7.7 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $62,916 7.6 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $71,435 7.4 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $80,101 7.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Cross Plains, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cross Plains?

The average cost of solar panels in Cross Plains is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors 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 Cross Plains?

You can't get solar panels for free in Cross Plains. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Cross Plains?

Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.

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