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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Atkinson, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Fort Atkinson, the average price of going solar will be about $19,772 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fort Atkinson can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, 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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fort Atkinson, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Fort Atkinson homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are many companies available in Fort Atkinson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Fort Atkinson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Atkinson?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fort Atkinson, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.