Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lac du Flambeau, WI (2024 Update)
- Lac du Flambeau Solar Installation Cost: $20,621
- 25-Year Savings: $22,010
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lac du Flambeau
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Lac du Flambeau.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lac du Flambeau it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lac du Flambeau is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,621 for a solar installation, or $29,488 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Lac du Flambeau homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lac du Flambeau
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,517 |
| 3 years | $-17,309 |
| 5 years | $-15,100 |
| 7 years | $-12,892 |
| 9 years | $-10,683 |
| 11 years | $-8,475 |
| 13 years | $-6,266 |
| 15 years | $-4,058 |
| 17 years | $-1,849 |
| 19 years | $359 |
| 21 years | $2,568 |
| 23 years | $4,777 |
| 25 years | $6,985 |
Top Solar Installers in Lac du Flambeau
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Lac du Flambeau:
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 Lac du Flambeau
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lac du Flambeau
The cost of installing a solar system in Lac du Flambeau can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lac du Flambeau, 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 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 difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lac du Flambeau is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $11,365 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,588 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,028 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $24,686 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $29,560 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $34,652 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $39,962 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $45,488 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Lac du Flambeau, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lac du Flambeau?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lac du Flambeau?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lac du Flambeau. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lac du Flambeau, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.