Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mauston, WI (2024 Update)
- Mauston Solar Installation Cost: $20,009
- 25-Year Savings: $26,025
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mauston
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Mauston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mauston typically cost about 4.The average Mauston homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,009 with the federal tax credit, or $28,613 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Mauston homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mauston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,902 |
| 3 years | $-16,687 |
| 5 years | $-14,472 |
| 7 years | $-12,258 |
| 9 years | $-10,043 |
| 11 years | $-7,828 |
| 13 years | $-5,614 |
| 15 years | $-3,399 |
| 17 years | $-1,184 |
| 19 years | $1,030 |
| 21 years | $3,245 |
| 23 years | $5,460 |
| 25 years | $7,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Mauston
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Mauston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mauston
Though the average cost of a solar system in Mauston is $20,009, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mauston, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers 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 | $15,168 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,658 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $26,366 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $32,291 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $38,433 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $44,793 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $51,369 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $58,164 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind 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 select 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 sound 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Mauston, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mauston?
The average cost of solar panels in Mauston is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Mauston?
Solar panels aren’t free in Mauston, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mauston is currently $222,728, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,132 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mauston is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Mauston?
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 larger level 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.