Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fond Du Lac, WI (Mar 2023)

  • North Fond Du Lac Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,492
  • Payback Period: 8.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 North Fond Du Lac

We go over average solar pricing in North Fond Du Lac.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Fond Du Lac typically cost around 2.6. Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in North Fond Du Lac, the average price of going solar will be about $13,231 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in North Fond Du Lac based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average North Fond Du Lac homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

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 North Fond Du Lac

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,682
3 years $-8,585
5 years $-5,487
7 years $-2,389
9 years $709
11 years $3,807
13 years $6,905
15 years $10,002
17 years $13,100
19 years $16,198
21 years $19,296
23 years $22,394
25 years $25,492

Top Solar Installers in North Fond Du Lac

When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • 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

See all of the solar companies in North Fond Du Lac

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Fond Du Lac

Although the average cost of a solar system in North Fond Du Lac is $13,231, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

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, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout North Fond Du Lac, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in North Fond Du Lac are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 $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 many companies available in North Fond Du Lac, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • 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

EcoWatch's North Fond Du Lac, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing 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 real 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 consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost 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 goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value 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% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 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.

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