Solar Panel Cost Guide in Menomonie, WI (2024 Update)
- Menomonie Solar Installation Cost: $20,075
- 25-Year Savings: $22,273
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menomonie
We go over average solar pricing in Menomonie.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Menomonie it’s 4 per watt.The average Menomonie homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,075 with the federal tax credit, or $28,707 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Menomonie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Menomonie homeowners see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Menomonie, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Menomonie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,971 |
| 3 years | $-16,762 |
| 5 years | $-14,554 |
| 7 years | $-12,345 |
| 9 years | $-10,137 |
| 11 years | $-7,928 |
| 13 years | $-5,720 |
| 15 years | $-3,511 |
| 17 years | $-1,302 |
| 19 years | $906 |
| 21 years | $3,115 |
| 23 years | $5,323 |
| 25 years | $7,532 |
Top Solar Installers in Menomonie
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Menomonie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menomonie
The cost of installing a solar system in Menomonie can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,880. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Menomonie homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Menomonie is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,052 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $16,504 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,173 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $26,060 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $31,163 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $36,484 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $42,023 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $47,778 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Menomonie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Menomonie?
The average cost of solar panels in Menomonie 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Menomonie?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Menomonie?
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.