Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kaukauna, WI (2024 Update)
- Kaukauna Solar Installation Cost: $19,684
- 25-Year Savings: $22,542
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kaukauna
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kaukauna.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kaukauna, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kaukauna is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,684 for a solar installation, or $28,148 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kaukauna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,389 |
| 3 years | $-15,798 |
| 5 years | $-13,207 |
| 7 years | $-10,616 |
| 9 years | $-8,025 |
| 11 years | $-5,434 |
| 13 years | $-2,843 |
| 15 years | $-252 |
| 17 years | $2,339 |
| 19 years | $4,930 |
| 21 years | $7,521 |
| 23 years | $10,112 |
| 25 years | $12,703 |
Top Solar Installers in Kaukauna
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Kaukauna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kaukauna
For many Kaukauna homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kaukauna, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 around $3,880. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kaukauna, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Kaukauna homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill 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 pricing due to access to 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,634 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,280 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,143 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,224 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,522 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,037 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,769 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,719 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Kaukauna, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kaukauna?
The average cost of solar panels in Kaukauna is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kaukauna?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is it worth going solar in Kaukauna?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Kaukauna?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.