Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saratoga, WI (2024 Update)
- Saratoga Solar Installation Cost: $20,025
- 25-Year Savings: $21,746
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saratoga
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Saratoga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Saratoga, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Saratoga, the average price of going solar will be about $20,025 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Saratoga homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Saratoga find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Saratoga, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saratoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,127 |
| 3 years | $-17,331 |
| 5 years | $-15,535 |
| 7 years | $-13,739 |
| 9 years | $-11,942 |
| 11 years | $-10,146 |
| 13 years | $-8,350 |
| 15 years | $-6,554 |
| 17 years | $-4,758 |
| 19 years | $-2,962 |
| 21 years | $-1,166 |
| 23 years | $630 |
| 25 years | $2,426 |
Top Solar Installers in Saratoga
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. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Saratoga:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Saratoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga
There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase 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 Saratoga, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Saratoga, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Saratoga know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $11,668 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,992 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,534 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,292 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,268 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $35,461 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $40,872 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $46,500 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Saratoga, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saratoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Saratoga is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 Saratoga?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 the average daily 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 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.