Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, WI (2024 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $18,973
- 25-Year Savings: $27,239
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Dover.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dover it’s 4 per watt.The average Dover homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,973 with the federal tax credit, or $27,131 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
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Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,678 |
| 3 years | $-15,087 |
| 5 years | $-12,496 |
| 7 years | $-9,905 |
| 9 years | $-7,314 |
| 11 years | $-4,723 |
| 13 years | $-2,132 |
| 15 years | $459 |
| 17 years | $3,050 |
| 19 years | $5,641 |
| 21 years | $8,232 |
| 23 years | $10,823 |
| 25 years | $13,414 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
For many Dover homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dover, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,880. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Dover’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $17,368 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $23,591 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $30,032 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $36,691 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $43,566 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $50,659 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $57,970 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $65,497 | 10.7 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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 Dover, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dover?
The average cost of solar panels in Dover 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Dover?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.