Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fitchburg, WI (2024 Update)
- Fitchburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $26,769
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fitchburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fitchburg.
The average cost of a solar system in Fitchburg is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Fitchburg homeowner can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Fitchburg, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fitchburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,372 |
| 3 years | $-15,603 |
| 5 years | $-12,834 |
| 7 years | $-10,066 |
| 9 years | $-7,297 |
| 11 years | $-4,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,759 |
| 15 years | $1,010 |
| 17 years | $3,779 |
| 19 years | $6,547 |
| 21 years | $9,316 |
| 23 years | $12,085 |
| 25 years | $14,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Fitchburg
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Fitchburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fitchburg
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fitchburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fitchburg, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fitchburg to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fitchburg homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fitchburg, 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $16,052 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,837 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,840 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,059 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,496 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,151 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,022 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,111 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- 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 what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 Fitchburg, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fitchburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Fitchburg is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Fitchburg?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fitchburg, 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 help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fitchburg is currently $453,389, which means you can look forward to a value of about $18,589 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fitchburg is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fitchburg?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.