Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hobart, WI (2023 Update)

  • Hobart Solar Installation Cost: $12,658
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,896
  • Payback Period: 8.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Hobart

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hobart.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hobart typically cost about 2.6. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,667 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Hobart can save about $21,000 on their power 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 Hobart

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,415
3 years $-8,929
5 years $-6,442
7 years $-3,956
9 years $-1,469
11 years $1,017
13 years $3,503
15 years $5,990
17 years $8,476
19 years $10,962
21 years $13,449
23 years $15,935
25 years $18,422

Top Solar Installers in Hobart

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Hobart

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hobart

For many Hobart homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hobart, 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Hobart average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to add 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 off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Hobart's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.70 $11,357 $21,041 8.8 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $28,346 8.6 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $35,796 8.4 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $43,392 8.3 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $51,134 8.1 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $59,021 7.9 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $67,054 7.8 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $75,232 7.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.

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 Hobart, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Hobart 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 use.

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

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Hobart is currently $221,268, so you can expect a value of about $9,072 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hobart is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Hobart?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.

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