Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Atkinson, WI (2024 Update)
- Fort Atkinson Solar Installation Cost: $19,772
- 25-Year Savings: $23,538
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Atkinson
We break down average solar pricing in Fort Atkinson.
In Fort Atkinson, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Fort Atkinson homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,772 with the federal tax credit, or $28,274 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Atkinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,476 |
| 3 years | $-15,886 |
| 5 years | $-13,295 |
| 7 years | $-10,704 |
| 9 years | $-8,113 |
| 11 years | $-5,522 |
| 13 years | $-2,931 |
| 15 years | $-340 |
| 17 years | $2,251 |
| 19 years | $4,842 |
| 21 years | $7,433 |
| 23 years | $10,024 |
| 25 years | $12,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Atkinson
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fort Atkinson, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Fort Atkinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Atkinson
The cost of installing a solar system in Fort Atkinson can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fort Atkinson to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fort Atkinson, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $13,372 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,264 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,373 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,700 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,244 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,005 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,983 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $52,179 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Fort Atkinson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Atkinson?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Atkinson is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
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 $1,010.67 per year.
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 decreases 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.