Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie du Chien, WI (2024 Update)

  • Prairie du Chien Solar Installation Cost: $19,828
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,718
  • Payback Period: 13.8 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 Prairie du Chien

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Prairie du Chien.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Prairie du Chien, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Prairie du Chien is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,828 for a solar installation, or $28,354 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prairie du Chien find going solar has a decent ROI.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Prairie du Chien

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,721
3 years $-16,506
5 years $-14,292
7 years $-12,077
9 years $-9,862
11 years $-7,648
13 years $-5,433
15 years $-3,219
17 years $-1,004
19 years $1,211
21 years $3,425
23 years $5,640
25 years $7,855

Top Solar Installers in Prairie du Chien

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Prairie du Chien

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie du Chien

The cost of installing a solar system in Prairie du Chien 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Prairie du Chien homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Prairie du Chien, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $12,643 14.3 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $17,292 14.0 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $22,158 13.8 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $27,242 13.5 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $32,542 13.2 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $38,060 12.9 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $43,796 12.7 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $49,748 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Prairie du Chien, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind 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 peruse their list of options before making your decision.

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 Prairie du Chien, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie du Chien?

The average cost of solar panels in Prairie du Chien is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Prairie du Chien?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 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.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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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