Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Atkinson, WI (2023 Update)
- Fort Atkinson Solar Installation Cost: $13,250
- 25-Year Savings: $23,538
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Atkinson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Atkinson.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fort Atkinson typically cost around 2.6. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fort Atkinson, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,250, or $18,948 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% 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 use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Atkinson find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Fort Atkinson, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Atkinson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,778 |
| 3 years | $-8,835 |
| 5 years | $-5,892 |
| 7 years | $-2,949 |
| 9 years | $-6 |
| 11 years | $2,937 |
| 13 years | $5,880 |
| 15 years | $8,823 |
| 17 years | $11,766 |
| 19 years | $14,709 |
| 21 years | $17,652 |
| 23 years | $20,595 |
| 25 years | $23,538 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Atkinson
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fort Atkinson, we've compiled 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 Fort Atkinson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Atkinson
For many Fort Atkinson homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Atkinson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,600. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence 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 think 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fort Atkinson, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, 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 installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fort Atkinson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,963 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,576 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,333 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,237 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $46,286 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $53,481 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $60,821 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $68,307 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Atkinson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fort Atkinson. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Fort Atkinson have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.