Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elkhorn, WI (Mar 2023)
- Elkhorn Solar Installation Cost: $13,122
- 25-Year Savings: $22,319
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elkhorn
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Elkhorn.
The average cost of a solar system in Elkhorn is 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Elkhorn, the average price of going solar will be about $13,122 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Elkhorn depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Elkhorn that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elkhorn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,705 |
| 3 years | $-8,869 |
| 5 years | $-6,034 |
| 7 years | $-3,199 |
| 9 years | $-363 |
| 11 years | $2,472 |
| 13 years | $5,307 |
| 15 years | $8,143 |
| 17 years | $10,978 |
| 19 years | $13,813 |
| 21 years | $16,649 |
| 23 years | $19,484 |
| 25 years | $22,319 |
Top Solar Installers in Elkhorn
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed 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 Elkhorn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elkhorn
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Elkhorn: 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,600 per kilowatt in Elkhorn. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Elkhorn average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Elkhorn homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Elkhorn, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,155 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,497 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,986 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,620 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,399 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,324 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,395 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $65,611 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Elkhorn, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elkhorn?
The average cost of solar panels in Elkhorn is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.