Solar Panel Cost Guide in Janesville, WI (Jan 2023)
- Janesville Solar Installation Cost: $13,177
- 25-Year Savings: $23,458
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Janesville
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Janesville.
In Janesville, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Janesville is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,177 for a solar installation, or $9,751 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Janesville find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Janesville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Janesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,711 |
| 3 years | $-8,781 |
| 5 years | $-5,850 |
| 7 years | $-2,919 |
| 9 years | $12 |
| 11 years | $2,943 |
| 13 years | $5,873 |
| 15 years | $8,804 |
| 17 years | $11,735 |
| 19 years | $14,666 |
| 21 years | $17,597 |
| 23 years | $20,527 |
| 25 years | $23,458 |
Top Solar Installers in Janesville
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Janesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Janesville
Although the average cost of a solar system in Janesville is $13,177, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,600 per kilowatt in Janesville. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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 out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Janesville know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,987 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,607 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $32,373 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $39,285 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $46,342 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $53,545 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $60,893 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $68,387 | 8.1 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Janesville, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Janesville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Janesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
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 Janesville is currently $152,554, so you can expect a value of about $6,255 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Janesville 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 the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.