Solar Panel Cost Guide in Okauchee Lake, WI (2024 Update)

  • Okauchee Lake Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,674
  • Payback Period: 12.6 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 Okauchee Lake

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Okauchee Lake.

In Okauchee Lake, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Okauchee Lake is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,621 for a solar installation, or $28,058 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Okauchee Lake can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Okauchee Lake for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Okauchee Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,326
3 years $-15,735
5 years $-13,144
7 years $-10,553
9 years $-7,962
11 years $-5,371
13 years $-2,780
15 years $-189
17 years $2,402
19 years $4,993
21 years $7,584
23 years $10,175
25 years $12,766

Top Solar Installers in Okauchee Lake

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Okauchee Lake, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Okauchee Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Okauchee Lake

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Okauchee Lake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Okauchee Lake.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Okauchee Lake average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Okauchee Lake’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 $4.04 $16,948 $15,295 13.1 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $20,828 12.9 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $26,578 12.6 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $32,546 12.4 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $38,731 12.1 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $45,133 11.9 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $51,752 11.6 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $58,589 11.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Okauchee Lake, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Okauchee Lake?

The average cost of solar panels in Okauchee Lake is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Okauchee Lake?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.

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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