Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Prairie, WI (2024 Update)
- Pleasant Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $18,946
- 25-Year Savings: $13,441
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pleasant Prairie
We break down average solar pricing in Pleasant Prairie.
In Pleasant Prairie, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Pleasant Prairie, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,946, or $27,093 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pleasant Prairie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pleasant Prairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,650 |
| 3 years | $-15,059 |
| 5 years | $-12,468 |
| 7 years | $-9,877 |
| 9 years | $-7,286 |
| 11 years | $-4,695 |
| 13 years | $-2,104 |
| 15 years | $487 |
| 17 years | $3,078 |
| 19 years | $5,669 |
| 21 years | $8,260 |
| 23 years | $10,851 |
| 25 years | $13,441 |
Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Prairie
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Pleasant Prairie, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Pleasant Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Prairie
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pleasant Prairie is $18,946, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Pleasant Prairie, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Pleasant Prairie, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $18,123 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $24,598 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $31,291 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $38,201 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $45,328 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $52,673 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $60,235 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $68,014 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Pleasant Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pleasant Prairie?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pleasant Prairie?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
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."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 amount 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.