Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Crosse, WI (2023 Update)
- La Crosse Solar Installation Cost: $13,486
- 25-Year Savings: $23,445
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Crosse
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in La Crosse.
The average cost of solar panels in La Crosse is 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in La Crosse, the average price of going solar will be about $13,486 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average La Crosse homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in La Crosse for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in La Crosse
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,009 |
| 3 years | $-9,054 |
| 5 years | $-6,100 |
| 7 years | $-3,146 |
| 9 years | $-191 |
| 11 years | $2,763 |
| 13 years | $5,718 |
| 15 years | $8,672 |
| 17 years | $11,627 |
| 19 years | $14,581 |
| 21 years | $17,536 |
| 23 years | $20,490 |
| 25 years | $23,445 |
Top Solar Installers in La Crosse
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. 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.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 La Crosse
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Crosse
The cost of installing a solar system in La Crosse can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. Some solar 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. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many La Crosse homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for La Crosse homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,529 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,997 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,610 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,369 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,273 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,323 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,519 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,860 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 La Crosse, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Crosse?
The average cost of solar panels in La Crosse 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in La Crosse?
You can't get solar panels for free in La Crosse. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in La Crosse is currently $165,454, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,784 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in La Crosse is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.