Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Valley, WI (2024 Update)
- Pleasant Valley Solar Installation Cost: $20,119
- 25-Year Savings: $23,606
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pleasant Valley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Pleasant Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pleasant Valley it’s 4 per watt.The average Pleasant Valley homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,119 with the federal tax credit, or $28,770 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Pleasant Valley depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Pleasant Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pleasant Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,014 |
| 3 years | $-16,806 |
| 5 years | $-14,597 |
| 7 years | $-12,389 |
| 9 years | $-10,180 |
| 11 years | $-7,972 |
| 13 years | $-5,763 |
| 15 years | $-3,555 |
| 17 years | $-1,346 |
| 19 years | $862 |
| 21 years | $3,071 |
| 23 years | $5,279 |
| 25 years | $7,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar company in Pleasant Valley, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Pleasant Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Valley
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pleasant Valley is $20,119, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,880.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pleasant Valley offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pleasant Valley homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Pleasant Valley, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $13,093 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,891 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,907 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,141 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,591 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,259 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,144 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,247 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Pleasant Valley, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pleasant Valley?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pleasant Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.