Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rice Lake, WI (Mar 2023)
- Rice Lake Solar Installation Cost: $13,523
- 25-Year Savings: $19,877
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rice Lake
We go over average solar pricing in Rice Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rice Lake, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Rice Lake, the average price of going solar will be about $13,523 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Rice Lake can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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 Rice Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,187 |
| 3 years | $-9,515 |
| 5 years | $-6,843 |
| 7 years | $-4,171 |
| 9 years | $-1,499 |
| 11 years | $1,173 |
| 13 years | $3,845 |
| 15 years | $6,517 |
| 17 years | $9,189 |
| 19 years | $11,861 |
| 21 years | $14,533 |
| 23 years | $17,205 |
| 25 years | $19,877 |
Top Solar Installers in Rice Lake
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Rice Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rice Lake
The cost of installing a solar system in Rice Lake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,600 per kilowatt in Rice Lake. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Rice Lake, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rice Lake, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $15,624 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $21,123 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $26,768 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $32,559 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $38,495 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $44,576 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $50,804 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $57,177 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Rice Lake, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rice Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Rice Lake 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Rice Lake, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Rice Lake?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.