Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fitchburg, WI (Mar 2023)
- Fitchburg Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $26,776
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fitchburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fitchburg.
In Fitchburg, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fitchburg, the average price of going solar will be about $13,231 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fitchburg homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Fitchburg homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Fitchburg that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fitchburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,631 |
| 3 years | $-8,430 |
| 5 years | $-5,230 |
| 7 years | $-2,029 |
| 9 years | $1,171 |
| 11 years | $4,372 |
| 13 years | $7,572 |
| 15 years | $10,773 |
| 17 years | $13,974 |
| 19 years | $17,174 |
| 21 years | $20,375 |
| 23 years | $23,576 |
| 25 years | $26,776 |
Top Solar Installers in Fitchburg
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Fitchburg: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover 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 installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fitchburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fitchburg, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Fitchburg'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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $21,643 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $29,149 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $36,800 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $44,596 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $52,539 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $60,627 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $68,860 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $77,239 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fitchburg?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fitchburg. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Fitchburg?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.