Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ripon, WI (2024 Update)
- Ripon Solar Installation Cost: $19,742
- 25-Year Savings: $22,812
- Payback Period: 13.7 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 Ripon
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Ripon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ripon generally cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Ripon is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,742 for a solar installation, or $28,231 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Ripon homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Ripon for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ripon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,635 |
| 3 years | $-16,420 |
| 5 years | $-14,205 |
| 7 years | $-11,991 |
| 9 years | $-9,776 |
| 11 years | $-7,561 |
| 13 years | $-5,347 |
| 15 years | $-3,132 |
| 17 years | $-917 |
| 19 years | $1,297 |
| 21 years | $3,512 |
| 23 years | $5,726 |
| 25 years | $7,941 |
Top Solar Installers in Ripon
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 Ripon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ripon
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, 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 solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ripon, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ripon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,802 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,504 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,423 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,559 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,913 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,484 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,272 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,278 | 12.3 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though 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 make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established 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.
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 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 Ripon, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ripon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ripon?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Ripon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.