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

  • Grafton Solar Installation Cost: $18,679
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,812
  • Payback Period: 12.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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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 Grafton

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Grafton.

In Grafton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Grafton is around 6.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,679 for a solar installation, or $26,711 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Grafton can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Grafton

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-17,383
3 years$-14,792
5 years$-12,201
7 years$-9,610
9 years$-7,019
11 years$-4,428
13 years$-1,837
15 years$754
17 years$3,345
19 years$5,936
21 years$8,527
23 years$11,117
25 years$13,708

Top Solar Installers in Grafton

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

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

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Grafton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grafton

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

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grafton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Grafton is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$15,61913.0 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$21,25912.8 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$27,11812.5 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$33,19312.3 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$39,48612.0 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$45,99511.8 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$52,72311.5 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$59,66711.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Grafton, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grafton?

The average cost of solar panels in Grafton 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Grafton is currently $386,144, so you can look forward to a value of about $15,832 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Grafton is a worthwhile investment.

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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.