Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howards Grove, WI (2023 Update)

  • Howards Grove Solar Installation Cost: $12,688
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,035
  • Payback Period: 8.2 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

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 Howards Grove

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Howards Grove.

The average cost of a solar system in Howards Grove is 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,685 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Howards Grove can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

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

Solar savings over time in Howards Grove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,559
3 years $-12,301
5 years $-12,042
7 years $-11,784
9 years $-11,526
11 years $-11,268
13 years $-11,010
15 years $-10,752
17 years $-10,494
19 years $-10,235
21 years $-9,977
23 years $-9,719
25 years $-9,461

Top Solar Installers in Howards Grove

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Howards Grove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howards Grove

While the average cost of a solar system in Howards Grove is $12,685, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Howards Grove, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Howards Grove have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Howards Grove homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

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 $21,970 8.5 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $29,585 8.4 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $37,345 8.2 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $45,251 8.0 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $53,303 7.9 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $61,500 7.7 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $69,843 7.5 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $78,331 7.4 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.

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 Howards Grove, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Howards Grove?

The average cost of solar panels in Howards Grove is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Howards Grove?

A solar panel system isn't free in Howards Grove, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Howards Grove?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.

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