Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, WI (2024 Update)

  • Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $18,650
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,276
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Franklin

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Franklin.

The average cost of a solar system in Franklin is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Franklin is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,650 for a solar installation, or $26,670 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just 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.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Franklin homeowner can save around $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Franklin that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Franklin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,354
3 years $-14,763
5 years $-12,172
7 years $-9,581
9 years $-6,990
11 years $-4,399
13 years $-1,808
15 years $783
17 years $3,374
19 years $5,965
21 years $8,556
23 years $11,147
25 years $13,738

Top Solar Installers in Franklin

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Franklin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin

For many Franklin homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Franklin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Franklin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Franklin have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Franklin, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $18,679 11.9 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $25,340 11.7 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $32,219 11.4 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $39,314 11.2 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $46,627 11.0 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $54,157 10.7 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $61,905 10.5 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $69,870 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect 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 a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Franklin, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Franklin?

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 power bills.

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 decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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