Solar Panel Cost Guide in DeForest, WI (2024 Update)
- DeForest Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $24,053
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in DeForest
We break down average solar pricing in DeForest.
In DeForest, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in DeForest is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,756 for a solar installation, or $28,251 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in DeForest for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in DeForest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,511 |
| 3 years | $-16,019 |
| 5 years | $-13,527 |
| 7 years | $-11,035 |
| 9 years | $-8,544 |
| 11 years | $-6,052 |
| 13 years | $-3,560 |
| 15 years | $-1,068 |
| 17 years | $1,423 |
| 19 years | $3,915 |
| 21 years | $6,407 |
| 23 years | $8,898 |
| 25 years | $11,390 |
Top Solar Installers in DeForest
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in DeForest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in DeForest
For many DeForest homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in DeForest, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,880. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, 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 a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in DeForest, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in DeForest is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $13,812 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,850 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $24,106 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $29,579 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $35,270 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $41,177 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $47,302 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $53,645 | 11.9 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's DeForest, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in DeForest?
The average cost of solar panels in DeForest 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in DeForest?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.