Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, WI (2024 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $19,772
- 25-Year Savings: $22,733
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Jefferson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Jefferson.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Jefferson it’s 4 per watt.The average Jefferson homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,772 with the federal tax credit, or $28,274 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Jefferson based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Jefferson can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,476 |
| 3 years | $-15,886 |
| 5 years | $-13,295 |
| 7 years | $-10,704 |
| 9 years | $-8,113 |
| 11 years | $-5,522 |
| 13 years | $-2,931 |
| 15 years | $-340 |
| 17 years | $2,251 |
| 19 years | $4,842 |
| 21 years | $7,433 |
| 23 years | $10,024 |
| 25 years | $12,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Jefferson, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
For many Jefferson homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Jefferson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,880 per kilowatt in Jefferson.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Jefferson, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,708 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,379 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,267 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,372 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,695 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,235 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,992 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,966 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Jefferson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my 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 Jefferson is currently $292,748, so you can look forward to a value of about $12,003 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Jefferson is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.