Solar Panel Cost Guide in Farmington, WI (2023 Update)

  • Farmington Solar Installation Cost: $13,242
  • 25-Year Savings: $27,610
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Farmington

We go over average solar pricing in Farmington.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Farmington it's 2.6 per watt. The average Farmington homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,250 with the federal tax credit, or $18,948 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Farmington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,061
3 years $-9,700
5 years $-7,339
7 years $-4,978
9 years $-2,618
11 years $-257
13 years $2,104
15 years $4,465
17 years $6,826
19 years $9,187
21 years $11,548
23 years $13,909
25 years $16,270

Top Solar Installers in Farmington

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Farmington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Farmington

For many Farmington homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Farmington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,600. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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

Most solar companies in Farmington offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Farmington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 $22,332 8.4 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $30,067 8.3 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $37,948 8.1 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $45,974 7.9 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $54,146 7.8 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $62,464 7.6 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $70,927 7.5 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $79,535 7.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Farmington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Farmington, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Farmington?

The average cost of solar panels in Farmington 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Farmington?

A solar panel system isn't free in Farmington, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Farmington?

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 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.

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