Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eau Claire, WI (Mar 2023)
- Eau Claire Solar Installation Cost: $13,468
- 25-Year Savings: $23,190
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eau Claire
We go over average solar pricing in Eau Claire.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Eau Claire it's 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Eau Claire, the average price of going solar will be about $13,468 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Eau Claire depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Eau Claire homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Eau Claire that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Eau Claire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,002 |
| 3 years | $-9,069 |
| 5 years | $-6,136 |
| 7 years | $-3,204 |
| 9 years | $-271 |
| 11 years | $2,662 |
| 13 years | $5,594 |
| 15 years | $8,527 |
| 17 years | $11,459 |
| 19 years | $14,392 |
| 21 years | $17,325 |
| 23 years | $20,257 |
| 25 years | $23,190 |
Top Solar Installers in Eau Claire
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Eau Claire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eau Claire
While the average cost of a solar system in Eau Claire is $13,468, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,600 per kilowatt in Eau Claire. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Eau Claire have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Eau Claire, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Eau Claire are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Eau Claire, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Eau Claire?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Eau Claire?
A solar panel system isn't free in Eau Claire, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Eau Claire?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.