Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richland Center, WI (2023 Update)
- Richland Center Solar Installation Cost: $13,420
- 25-Year Savings: $20,455
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richland Center
See how much it might cost to go solar in Richland Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Richland Center generally cost about 2.6. The average Richland Center homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,413 with the federal tax credit, or $19,181 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Richland Center for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Richland Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,307 |
| 3 years | $-13,081 |
| 5 years | $-12,856 |
| 7 years | $-12,630 |
| 9 years | $-12,404 |
| 11 years | $-12,178 |
| 13 years | $-11,952 |
| 15 years | $-11,726 |
| 17 years | $-11,500 |
| 19 years | $-11,275 |
| 21 years | $-11,049 |
| 23 years | $-10,823 |
| 25 years | $-10,597 |
Top Solar Installers in Richland Center
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Richland Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richland Center
While the average cost of a solar system in Richland Center is $13,413, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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
Most solar companies in Richland Center offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Richland Center, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk 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 companies.
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 | $16,207 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $21,901 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $27,740 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $33,725 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $39,856 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $46,132 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $52,554 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $59,121 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company'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: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Richland Center, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Richland Center?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Richland Center?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives 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 Richland Center?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Richland Center?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.