Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menomonie, WI (2023 Update)
- Menomonie Solar Installation Cost: $13,450
- 25-Year Savings: $22,275
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menomonie
We break down average solar pricing in Menomonie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Menomonie generally cost about 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Menomonie is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,450 for a solar installation, or $19,234 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Menomonie can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Menomonie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,021 |
| 3 years | $-9,163 |
| 5 years | $-6,305 |
| 7 years | $-3,447 |
| 9 years | $-589 |
| 11 years | $2,269 |
| 13 years | $5,127 |
| 15 years | $7,985 |
| 17 years | $10,843 |
| 19 years | $13,701 |
| 21 years | $16,559 |
| 23 years | $19,417 |
| 25 years | $22,275 |
Top Solar Installers in Menomonie
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Menomonie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menomonie
There are a number of criteria 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 solar panels in Menomonie, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Menomonie, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Menomonie, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,643 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $23,815 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,133 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $36,597 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $43,206 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $49,960 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $56,861 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $63,906 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel 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 Menomonie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Menomonie?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Menomonie?
Solar panels aren't free in Menomonie, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $966.66 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.
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.