Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fond Du Lac, WI (Mar 2023)
- Fond Du Lac Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $24,808
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fond Du Lac
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Fond Du Lac.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fond Du Lac it's 2.6 per watt. The average Fond Du Lac homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,231 with the federal tax credit, or $18,920 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fond Du Lac find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote 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
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,710 |
| 3 years | $-8,667 |
| 5 years | $-5,623 |
| 7 years | $-2,580 |
| 9 years | $463 |
| 11 years | $3,506 |
| 13 years | $6,549 |
| 15 years | $9,592 |
| 17 years | $12,636 |
| 19 years | $15,679 |
| 21 years | $18,722 |
| 23 years | $21,765 |
| 25 years | $24,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Fond Du Lac
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fond Du Lac, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fond Du Lac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fond Du Lac
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Fond Du Lac, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fond Du Lac homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable 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. Additionally, some companies in Fond Du Lac have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $20,043 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $27,015 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $34,133 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $41,396 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $48,805 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $56,360 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $64,060 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $71,906 | 7.8 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 previous customers.
- 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 the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Fond Du Lac, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fond Du Lac?
The average cost of solar panels in Fond Du Lac 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fond Du Lac?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fond Du Lac?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.