Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fond du Lac, WI (2023 Update)
- North Fond du Lac Solar Installation Cost: $13,229
- 25-Year Savings: $25,494
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Fond du Lac
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North Fond du Lac.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Fond du Lac it's 2.6 per watt. The average North Fond du Lac homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,231 with the federal tax credit, or $18,920 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in North Fond du Lac can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in North Fond du Lac for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Fond du Lac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,934 |
| 3 years | $-9,343 |
| 5 years | $-6,752 |
| 7 years | $-4,161 |
| 9 years | $-1,570 |
| 11 years | $1,021 |
| 13 years | $3,612 |
| 15 years | $6,203 |
| 17 years | $8,794 |
| 19 years | $11,385 |
| 21 years | $13,976 |
| 23 years | $16,567 |
| 25 years | $19,158 |
Top Solar Installers in North Fond du Lac
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over 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.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
For many North Fond du Lac homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Fond du Lac, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,600 per kilowatt in North Fond du Lac. The brand and kind 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 are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Fond du Lac to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Fond du Lac is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $20,607 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $27,767 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $35,073 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $42,524 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $50,121 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $57,864 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $65,752 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $73,786 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in North Fond du Lac, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Fond du Lac?
The average cost of solar panels in North Fond du Lac 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.