Solar Panel Cost Guide in Okauchee Lake, WI (2023 Update)
- Okauchee Lake Solar Installation Cost: $13,140
- 25-Year Savings: $25,682
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Okauchee Lake
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Okauchee Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Okauchee Lake, the average cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. The average Okauchee Lake homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,140 with the federal tax credit, or $18,790 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Okauchee Lake find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Okauchee Lake for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Okauchee Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,588 |
| 3 years | $-8,482 |
| 5 years | $-5,376 |
| 7 years | $-2,270 |
| 9 years | $836 |
| 11 years | $3,941 |
| 13 years | $7,047 |
| 15 years | $10,153 |
| 17 years | $13,259 |
| 19 years | $16,365 |
| 21 years | $19,470 |
| 23 years | $22,576 |
| 25 years | $25,682 |
Top Solar Installers in Okauchee Lake
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Okauchee Lake, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Okauchee Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Okauchee Lake
For many Okauchee Lake homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Okauchee Lake, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Okauchee Lake, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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
Most solar installers in Okauchee Lake provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Okauchee Lake's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $20,886 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $28,139 | 8.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $35,538 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $43,083 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $50,773 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $58,609 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $66,590 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $74,717 | 7.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
EcoWatch's Okauchee Lake, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Okauchee Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Okauchee Lake 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Okauchee Lake?
You can't get solar panels for free in Okauchee Lake. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Okauchee Lake?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.