Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mauston, WI (2023 Update)
- Mauston Solar Installation Cost: $13,413
- 25-Year Savings: $26,019
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mauston
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Mauston.
In Mauston, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average Mauston homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,413 with the federal tax credit, or $19,181 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Mauston that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mauston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,836 |
| 3 years | $-8,681 |
| 5 years | $-5,527 |
| 7 years | $-2,372 |
| 9 years | $782 |
| 11 years | $3,937 |
| 13 years | $7,092 |
| 15 years | $10,246 |
| 17 years | $13,401 |
| 19 years | $16,555 |
| 21 years | $19,710 |
| 23 years | $22,865 |
| 25 years | $26,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Mauston
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another perk of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Mauston, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Mauston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mauston
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Mauston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mauston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mauston homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mauston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Mauston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $20,759 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $27,969 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $35,326 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $42,828 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $50,475 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $58,268 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $66,207 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $74,292 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Mauston, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mauston?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mauston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.