Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eau Claire, WI (2023 Update)
- Eau Claire Solar Installation Cost: $13,470
- 25-Year Savings: $23,188
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eau Claire
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Eau Claire.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Eau Claire, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Eau Claire, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,468, or $19,259 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once 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 utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Eau Claire, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eau Claire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,348 |
| 3 years | $-13,104 |
| 5 years | $-12,859 |
| 7 years | $-12,615 |
| 9 years | $-12,371 |
| 11 years | $-12,126 |
| 13 years | $-11,882 |
| 15 years | $-11,638 |
| 17 years | $-11,393 |
| 19 years | $-11,149 |
| 21 years | $-10,904 |
| 23 years | $-10,660 |
| 25 years | $-10,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Eau Claire
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Eau Claire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eau Claire
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Eau Claire: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Eau Claire homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $18,360 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,772 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,329 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,031 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,879 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,873 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,012 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,297 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Eau Claire, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Eau Claire, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eau Claire?
The average cost of solar panels in Eau Claire is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Eau Claire?
You can't get solar panels for free in Eau Claire. However, you may still be able to install 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 Eau Claire?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 larger amount 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.