Solar Panel Cost Guide in Monona, WI (2024 Update)

  • Monona Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
  • 25-Year Savings: $32,185
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Monona

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Monona.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Monona, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Monona, the average price of going solar will be about $19,756 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Monona depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $24,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Monona find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Monona

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,372
3 years $-15,603
5 years $-12,834
7 years $-10,066
9 years $-7,297
11 years $-4,528
13 years $-1,759
15 years $1,010
17 years $3,779
19 years $6,547
21 years $9,316
23 years $12,085
25 years $14,854

Top Solar Installers in Monona

When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Another good thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you're searching for a solar company in Monona, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Monona

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Monona

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Monona: 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 determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Monona homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Monona, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Monona know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $4.04 $16,948 $20,519 11.3 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $27,794 11.1 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $35,285 10.9 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $42,994 10.7 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $50,920 10.4 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $59,064 10.2 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $67,424 10.0 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $76,002 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • 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 cost.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Monona, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Monona?

The average cost of solar panels in Monona 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Monona?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Monona, 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.

Is it worth going solar in Monona?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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