Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elkhorn, WI (2025 Update)
- Elkhorn Solar Installation Cost: $19,570
- 25-Year Savings: $22,327
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elkhorn
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elkhorn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elkhorn, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Elkhorn homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,570 with the federal tax credit, or $27,985 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Elkhorn find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elkhorn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,275 |
| 3 years | $-15,684 |
| 5 years | $-13,093 |
| 7 years | $-10,502 |
| 9 years | $-7,911 |
| 11 years | $-5,320 |
| 13 years | $-2,729 |
| 15 years | $-138 |
| 17 years | $2,453 |
| 19 years | $5,044 |
| 21 years | $7,635 |
| 23 years | $10,226 |
| 25 years | $12,817 |
Top Solar Installers in Elkhorn
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Elkhorn:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Elkhorn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elkhorn
For many Elkhorn homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Elkhorn, 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need 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 $3,880.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Elkhorn, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Elkhorn, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Elkhorn’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $12,564 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,186 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,026 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,083 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,357 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $37,848 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,557 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,483 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Elkhorn, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elkhorn?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Elkhorn is currently $311,249, so you can expect a value of about $12,761 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Elkhorn is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get 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.