Solar Panel Cost Guide in Polk, WI (2023 Update)
- Polk Solar Installation Cost: $13,062
- 25-Year Savings: $24,753
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Polk
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Polk.
The average cost of a solar system in Polk is 2.6 per watt. The average Polk homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,068 with the federal tax credit, or $18,687 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Polk homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Polk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,766 |
| 3 years | $-9,175 |
| 5 years | $-6,584 |
| 7 years | $-3,993 |
| 9 years | $-1,402 |
| 11 years | $1,189 |
| 13 years | $3,780 |
| 15 years | $6,371 |
| 17 years | $8,962 |
| 19 years | $11,553 |
| 21 years | $14,144 |
| 23 years | $16,735 |
| 25 years | $19,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Polk
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Polk:
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 Polk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Polk
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Polk, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Polk offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Polk is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $20,257 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $27,301 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $34,490 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $41,825 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $49,305 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $56,931 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $64,703 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $72,620 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Polk, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Polk, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Polk?
The average cost of solar panels in Polk is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Polk?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Polk, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.