Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, WI (2023 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $13,250
- 25-Year Savings: $22,733
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Jefferson.
In Jefferson, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Jefferson, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,250, or $18,948 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Jefferson can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Jefferson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,810 |
| 3 years | $-8,932 |
| 5 years | $-6,053 |
| 7 years | $-3,175 |
| 9 years | $-296 |
| 11 years | $2,583 |
| 13 years | $5,461 |
| 15 years | $8,340 |
| 17 years | $11,218 |
| 19 years | $14,097 |
| 21 years | $16,975 |
| 23 years | $19,854 |
| 25 years | $22,733 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Jefferson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay around $2,600 per kilowatt in Jefferson. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Jefferson average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Jefferson to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Jefferson know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $18,299 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,690 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,227 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,909 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,737 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,710 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,829 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,094 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Jefferson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Jefferson?
The average cost of solar panels in Jefferson 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Jefferson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Jefferson?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.