Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rib Mountain, WI (2023 Update)

  • Rib Mountain Solar Installation Cost: $13,368
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,040
  • Payback Period: 9.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Rib Mountain

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rib Mountain.

In Rib Mountain, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Rib Mountain is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,377 for a solar installation, or $19,129 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rib Mountain

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,230
3 years $-9,953
5 years $-7,676
7 years $-5,398
9 years $-3,121
11 years $-844
13 years $1,433
15 years $3,710
17 years $5,987
19 years $8,264
21 years $10,542
23 years $12,819
25 years $15,096

Top Solar Installers in Rib Mountain

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Rib Mountain

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rib Mountain

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Rib Mountain: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss 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 going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Rib Mountain, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Rib Mountain, and each can charge different amounts 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 $2.70 $11,357 $17,566 9.8 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $23,713 9.6 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $30,005 9.4 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $36,443 9.3 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $43,026 9.1 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $49,755 8.9 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $56,630 8.7 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $63,650 8.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Rib Mountain, 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:

  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Reputation: Long-running 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

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 Rib Mountain, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rib Mountain?

The average cost of solar panels in Rib Mountain 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rib Mountain?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $964.10 per year.

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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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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