Solar Panel Cost Guide in Janesville, WI (2023 Update)
- Janesville Solar Installation Cost: $13,184
- 25-Year Savings: $23,451
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Janesville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Janesville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Janesville is 2.6 per watt. The average Janesville homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,177 with the federal tax credit, or $18,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Janesville depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Janesville can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Janesville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Janesville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,062 |
| 3 years | $-12,818 |
| 5 years | $-12,573 |
| 7 years | $-12,329 |
| 9 years | $-12,085 |
| 11 years | $-11,841 |
| 13 years | $-11,596 |
| 15 years | $-11,352 |
| 17 years | $-11,108 |
| 19 years | $-10,864 |
| 21 years | $-10,619 |
| 23 years | $-10,375 |
| 25 years | $-10,131 |
Top Solar Installers in Janesville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Janesville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Janesville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Janesville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Janesville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, 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 much 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 an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Janesville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $18,987 | 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
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Janesville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully 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: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Janesville, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Janesville?
The average cost of solar panels in Janesville 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Janesville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,011.47 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.