Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fulton, WI (Mar 2023)
- Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $13,177
- 25-Year Savings: $22,555
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fulton
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Fulton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fulton typically cost about 2.6. The average Fulton homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,177 with the federal tax credit, or $18,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Fulton based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,748 |
| 3 years | $-8,889 |
| 5 years | $-6,030 |
| 7 years | $-3,172 |
| 9 years | $-313 |
| 11 years | $2,545 |
| 13 years | $5,404 |
| 15 years | $8,263 |
| 17 years | $11,121 |
| 19 years | $13,980 |
| 21 years | $16,838 |
| 23 years | $19,697 |
| 25 years | $22,555 |
Top Solar Installers in Fulton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,600 per kilowatt in Fulton. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Fulton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fulton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $18,239 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,611 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,127 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,789 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,597 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,551 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,650 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $65,894 | 8.3 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 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 Fulton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fulton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fulton 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Fulton?
Solar panels aren't free in Fulton, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Fulton?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.