Solar Panel Cost Guide in McFarland, WI (2023 Update)
- McFarland Solar Installation Cost: $13,239
- 25-Year Savings: $27,809
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McFarland
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in McFarland.
The average cost of a solar system in McFarland is 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,231 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in McFarland depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in McFarland see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McFarland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,102 |
| 3 years | $-12,828 |
| 5 years | $-12,555 |
| 7 years | $-12,281 |
| 9 years | $-12,007 |
| 11 years | $-11,734 |
| 13 years | $-11,460 |
| 15 years | $-11,186 |
| 17 years | $-10,913 |
| 19 years | $-10,639 |
| 21 years | $-10,365 |
| 23 years | $-10,092 |
| 25 years | $-9,818 |
Top Solar Installers in McFarland
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 McFarland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McFarland
There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in McFarland, 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in McFarland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. 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're only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in McFarland is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in McFarland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $22,501 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,293 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,230 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,313 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $54,542 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $62,916 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $71,435 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,101 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 McFarland, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McFarland?
The average cost of solar panels in McFarland 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in McFarland?
You can't get solar panels for free in McFarland. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout McFarland, 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 cover 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.