Solar Panel Cost Guide in Platteville, WI (2023 Update)
- Platteville Solar Installation Cost: $13,177
- 25-Year Savings: $22,828
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Platteville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Platteville.
The average cost of solar panels in Platteville is 2.6 per watt. The average Platteville homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,177 with the federal tax credit, or $18,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Platteville depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Platteville can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Platteville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,737 |
| 3 years | $-8,856 |
| 5 years | $-5,976 |
| 7 years | $-3,095 |
| 9 years | $-215 |
| 11 years | $2,666 |
| 13 years | $5,546 |
| 15 years | $8,426 |
| 17 years | $11,307 |
| 19 years | $14,187 |
| 21 years | $17,068 |
| 23 years | $19,948 |
| 25 years | $22,828 |
Top Solar Installers in Platteville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Platteville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Platteville
The cost of installing a solar system in Platteville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Platteville, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Platteville, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 car 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,467 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,913 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,506 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,244 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,127 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,156 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,331 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,651 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Platteville, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Platteville?
The average cost of solar panels in Platteville 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Platteville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Platteville?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 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.