Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fond du Lac, WI (2024 Update)
- Fond du Lac Solar Installation Cost: $19,742
- 25-Year Savings: $24,811
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fond du Lac
We go over average solar pricing in Fond du Lac.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fond du Lac, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,742 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fond du Lac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,572 |
| 3 years | $-16,232 |
| 5 years | $-13,892 |
| 7 years | $-11,552 |
| 9 years | $-9,212 |
| 11 years | $-6,871 |
| 13 years | $-4,531 |
| 15 years | $-2,191 |
| 17 years | $149 |
| 19 years | $2,489 |
| 21 years | $4,829 |
| 23 years | $7,169 |
| 25 years | $9,509 |
Top Solar Installers in Fond du Lac
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Fond du Lac, optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Fond du Lac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fond du Lac
Though the average cost of a solar system in Fond du Lac is $19,742, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fond du Lac, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fond du Lac, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $14,452 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $19,704 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $25,173 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $30,859 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $36,763 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $42,884 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $49,222 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $55,778 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Fond du Lac, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fond du Lac?
The average cost of solar panels in Fond du Lac is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fond du Lac?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,046.66 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.