Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ripon, WI (2023 Update)
- Ripon Solar Installation Cost: $13,229
- 25-Year Savings: $22,812
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ripon
We break down average solar pricing in Ripon.
In Ripon, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,231 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Ripon based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ripon find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Ripon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ripon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,109 |
| 3 years | $-12,869 |
| 5 years | $-12,628 |
| 7 years | $-12,388 |
| 9 years | $-12,148 |
| 11 years | $-11,908 |
| 13 years | $-11,667 |
| 15 years | $-11,427 |
| 17 years | $-11,187 |
| 19 years | $-10,946 |
| 21 years | $-10,706 |
| 23 years | $-10,466 |
| 25 years | $-10,226 |
Top Solar Installers in Ripon
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ripon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ripon
The cost of installing a solar system in Ripon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,600. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ripon, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ripon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ripon is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Ripon have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $18,393 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,815 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,383 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,096 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,955 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,960 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,110 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,406 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Ripon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Ripon, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ripon?
The average cost of solar panels in Ripon 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Ripon?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.