Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prescott, WI (2023 Update)
- Prescott Solar Installation Cost: $13,413
- 25-Year Savings: $22,774
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prescott
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Prescott.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Prescott, the average cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,413 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Prescott, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prescott
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,966 |
| 3 years | $-9,071 |
| 5 years | $-6,176 |
| 7 years | $-3,281 |
| 9 years | $-386 |
| 11 years | $2,509 |
| 13 years | $5,404 |
| 15 years | $8,299 |
| 17 years | $11,194 |
| 19 years | $14,089 |
| 21 years | $16,984 |
| 23 years | $19,879 |
| 25 years | $22,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Prescott
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Prescott
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prescott
For many Prescott homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Prescott, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Prescott average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Prescott homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,100 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,425 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,895 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,511 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,273 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,180 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,233 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $65,431 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Prescott, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prescott?
The average cost of solar panels in Prescott 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Prescott?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Prescott?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.