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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Fond du Lac

We go over average solar pricing in Fond du Lac.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fond du Lac it’s 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 vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Fond du Lac, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fond du Lac

YearReturn 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

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Fond du Lac, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Fond du Lac, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Fond du Lac

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fond du Lac

Even 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 primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fond du Lac to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Fond du Lac, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$14,45213.5 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$19,70413.2 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$25,17313.0 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$30,85912.7 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$36,76312.5 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$42,88412.2 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$49,22211.9 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$55,77811.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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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

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 like the type 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 attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. 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.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.