Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howard, WI (2023 Update)
- Howard Solar Installation Cost: $12,928
- 25-Year Savings: $22,481
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Howard
We break down average solar pricing in Howard.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Howard generally cost about 2.6. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Howard, the average price of going solar will be about $12,922 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Howard
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,810 |
| 3 years | $-12,573 |
| 5 years | $-12,337 |
| 7 years | $-12,101 |
| 9 years | $-11,865 |
| 11 years | $-11,629 |
| 13 years | $-11,393 |
| 15 years | $-11,157 |
| 17 years | $-10,921 |
| 19 years | $-10,685 |
| 21 years | $-10,449 |
| 23 years | $-10,213 |
| 25 years | $-9,977 |
Top Solar Installers in Howard
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- 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 Howard
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howard
The cost of installing a solar system in Howard can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,600. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Howard homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Howard, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $18,553 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,028 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,649 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,416 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,328 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,386 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,590 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,939 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Howard, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Howard?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Howard?
A solar panel system isn't free in Howard, 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Howard is currently $179,219, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,348 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Howard is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.