Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock, WI (2023 Update)
- Rock Solar Installation Cost: $13,177
- 25-Year Savings: $22,998
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rock
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rock.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rock generally cost about 2.6. The average Rock homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,177 with the federal tax credit, or $18,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Rock depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Rock homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Rock that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,730 |
| 3 years | $-8,836 |
| 5 years | $-5,942 |
| 7 years | $-3,048 |
| 9 years | $-154 |
| 11 years | $2,740 |
| 13 years | $5,634 |
| 15 years | $8,528 |
| 17 years | $11,422 |
| 19 years | $14,316 |
| 21 years | $17,210 |
| 23 years | $20,104 |
| 25 years | $22,998 |
Top Solar Installers in Rock
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock
The cost of installing a solar system in Rock can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rock, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $18,606 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,100 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,739 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,523 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,453 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,529 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,750 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $67,117 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Rock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Rock, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rock?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rock?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Rock have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.