Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crosse, WI (2025 Update)
- La Crosse Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
- 25-Year Savings: $23,437
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Crosse
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in La Crosse.
In La Crosse, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average La Crosse homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,137 with the federal tax credit, or $28,796 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in La Crosse find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in La Crosse, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Crosse
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,033 |
| 3 years | $-16,824 |
| 5 years | $-14,616 |
| 7 years | $-12,407 |
| 9 years | $-10,199 |
| 11 years | $-7,990 |
| 13 years | $-5,782 |
| 15 years | $-3,573 |
| 17 years | $-1,365 |
| 19 years | $844 |
| 21 years | $3,052 |
| 23 years | $5,261 |
| 25 years | $7,469 |
Top Solar Installers in La Crosse
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in La Crosse
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crosse
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in La Crosse: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like La Crosse, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Crosse to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in La Crosse, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in La Crosse 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 help you save 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,938 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,686 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,650 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,832 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,231 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,848 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,681 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,732 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's La Crosse, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Crosse?
The average cost of solar panels in La Crosse 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in La Crosse?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.