Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie Du Sac, WI (Feb 2023)
- Prairie Du Sac Solar Installation Cost: $13,322
- 25-Year Savings: $20,918
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie Du Sac
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Prairie Du Sac.
In Prairie Du Sac, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Prairie Du Sac, the average price of going solar will be about $13,322 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Prairie Du Sac 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 initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prairie Du Sac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,953 |
| 3 years | $-9,214 |
| 5 years | $-6,474 |
| 7 years | $-3,735 |
| 9 years | $-996 |
| 11 years | $1,743 |
| 13 years | $4,483 |
| 15 years | $7,222 |
| 17 years | $9,961 |
| 19 years | $12,700 |
| 21 years | $15,439 |
| 23 years | $18,179 |
| 25 years | $20,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie Du Sac
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Prairie Du Sac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie Du Sac
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,600. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Prairie Du Sac, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prairie Du Sac to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Prairie Du Sac, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Prairie Du Sac know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $16,711 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $22,572 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $28,580 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $34,732 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $41,031 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $47,474 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $54,064 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $60,799 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Prairie Du Sac, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Prairie Du Sac, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie Du Sac?
The average cost of solar panels in Prairie Du Sac is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Prairie Du Sac?
You can't get solar panels for free in Prairie Du Sac. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Prairie Du Sac, 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.