Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fitchburg, WI (2023 Update)
- Fitchburg Solar Installation Cost: $13,239
- 25-Year Savings: $26,769
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fitchburg
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Fitchburg.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fitchburg, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. 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%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Fitchburg depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fitchburg can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fitchburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,106 |
| 3 years | $-12,839 |
| 5 years | $-12,572 |
| 7 years | $-12,305 |
| 9 years | $-12,039 |
| 11 years | $-11,772 |
| 13 years | $-11,505 |
| 15 years | $-11,238 |
| 17 years | $-10,972 |
| 19 years | $-10,705 |
| 21 years | $-10,438 |
| 23 years | $-10,172 |
| 25 years | $-9,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Fitchburg
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Fitchburg, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
See all of the solar companies in Fitchburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fitchburg
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fitchburg is $13,231, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,600 per kilowatt in Fitchburg. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fitchburg, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Fitchburg's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fitchburg know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
EcoWatch's Fitchburg, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fitchburg?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fitchburg?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Fitchburg?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.