Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie du Chien, WI (2023 Update)
- Prairie du Chien Solar Installation Cost: $19,828
- 25-Year Savings: $22,718
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie du Chien
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Prairie du Chien.
The average cost of solar panels in Prairie du Chien is 2.6 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Prairie du Chien is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,286 for a solar installation, or $18,999 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Prairie du Chien homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prairie du Chien find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Prairie du Chien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie du Chien
While the average cost of a solar system in Prairie du Chien is $13,286, your actual cost may be above or below the average. 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prairie du Chien to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration 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 various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 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 $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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Prairie du Chien?
You can't get solar panels for free in Prairie du Chien. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $986.36 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Prairie du Chien?
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 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.