Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prescott, WI (2024 Update)
- Prescott Solar Installation Cost: $20,019
- 25-Year Savings: $22,772
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prescott
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Prescott.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Prescott it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Prescott is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,019 for a solar installation, or $28,627 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Prescott find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prescott
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,915 |
| 3 years | $-16,706 |
| 5 years | $-14,498 |
| 7 years | $-12,289 |
| 9 years | $-10,081 |
| 11 years | $-7,872 |
| 13 years | $-5,663 |
| 15 years | $-3,455 |
| 17 years | $-1,246 |
| 19 years | $962 |
| 21 years | $3,171 |
| 23 years | $5,379 |
| 25 years | $7,588 |
Top Solar Installers in Prescott
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Prescott, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Prescott: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Prescott, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Prescott, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Prescott, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,509 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,114 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,935 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $26,974 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,231 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $37,704 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,395 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,303 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully 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: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prescott?
The average cost of solar panels in Prescott 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Prescott?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Prescott. 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 $981.91 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.