Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richland Center, WI (2024 Update)
- Richland Center Solar Installation Cost: $20,027
- 25-Year Savings: $20,455
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richland Center
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Richland Center.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Richland Center generally cost about 4.The average Richland Center homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,027 with the federal tax credit, or $28,639 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Richland Center based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Richland Center find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Richland Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,920 |
| 3 years | $-16,705 |
| 5 years | $-14,490 |
| 7 years | $-12,276 |
| 9 years | $-10,061 |
| 11 years | $-7,846 |
| 13 years | $-5,632 |
| 15 years | $-3,417 |
| 17 years | $-1,202 |
| 19 years | $1,012 |
| 21 years | $3,227 |
| 23 years | $5,441 |
| 25 years | $7,656 |
Top Solar Installers in Richland Center
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since handling can be a difficult project. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Richland Center:
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
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 Richland Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richland Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Richland Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Richland Center, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Richland Center to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Richland Center, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,616 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $14,590 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $18,780 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $23,188 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $27,814 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $32,656 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $37,716 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $42,993 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
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 Richland Center, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richland Center?
The average cost of solar panels in Richland Center 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Richland Center?
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 savings from going solar.
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 how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $918.81 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.