Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dodgeville, WI (2024 Update)
- Dodgeville Solar Installation Cost: $19,761
- 25-Year Savings: $23,431
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dodgeville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dodgeville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dodgeville generally cost around 4.The average Dodgeville homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,761 with the federal tax credit, or $28,258 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dodgeville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,654 |
| 3 years | $-16,439 |
| 5 years | $-14,224 |
| 7 years | $-12,010 |
| 9 years | $-9,795 |
| 11 years | $-7,580 |
| 13 years | $-5,366 |
| 15 years | $-3,151 |
| 17 years | $-937 |
| 19 years | $1,278 |
| 21 years | $3,493 |
| 23 years | $5,707 |
| 25 years | $7,922 |
Top Solar Installers in Dodgeville
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Dodgeville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dodgeville
The cost of installing a solar system in Dodgeville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Dodgeville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Dodgeville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,294 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,160 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,244 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,544 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,062 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,797 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,750 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,920 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Dodgeville, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dodgeville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Dodgeville?
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.
How long do solar panels last in Dodgeville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.