Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fond du Lac, WI (2024 Update)
- North Fond du Lac Solar Installation Cost: $19,742
- 25-Year Savings: $25,494
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Fond du Lac
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Fond du Lac.
The average cost of a solar system in North Fond du Lac is 4 per watt.The average North Fond du Lac homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,742 with the federal tax credit, or $28,231 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average North Fond du Lac homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Fond du Lac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,446 |
| 3 years | $-15,855 |
| 5 years | $-13,264 |
| 7 years | $-10,674 |
| 9 years | $-8,083 |
| 11 years | $-5,492 |
| 13 years | $-2,901 |
| 15 years | $-310 |
| 17 years | $2,281 |
| 19 years | $4,872 |
| 21 years | $7,463 |
| 23 years | $10,054 |
| 25 years | $12,645 |
Top Solar Installers in North Fond du Lac
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 North Fond du Lac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Fond du Lac
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 around $3,880. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Fond du Lac average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many North Fond du Lac homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. North Fond du Lac’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $15,016 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,456 | 13.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $26,113 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $31,987 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $38,079 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $44,388 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $50,914 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $57,658 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 past customers.
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 North Fond du Lac, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Fond du Lac?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Fond du Lac?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.