Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madison, WI (2025 Update)
- Madison Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $28,234
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madison
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Madison.
The average cost of solar panels in Madison is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Madison is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,756 for a solar installation, or $28,251 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Madison homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Madison that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Madison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,372 |
| 3 years | $-15,603 |
| 5 years | $-12,834 |
| 7 years | $-10,066 |
| 9 years | $-7,297 |
| 11 years | $-4,528 |
| 13 years | $-1,759 |
| 15 years | $1,010 |
| 17 years | $3,779 |
| 19 years | $6,547 |
| 21 years | $9,316 |
| 23 years | $12,085 |
| 25 years | $14,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Madison
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Madison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madison
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Madison, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Madison average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Madison, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose 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 | $17,261 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $23,449 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $29,854 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $36,477 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $43,317 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $50,374 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $57,649 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $65,140 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
EcoWatch's Madison, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Madison?
The average cost of solar panels in Madison 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Madison?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Madison. 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,140.28 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.