Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scott, WI (2023 Update)

  • Scott Solar Installation Cost: $18,890
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,750
  • Payback Period: 13.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated October 25, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scott

Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Scott.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Scott is 2.6 per watt.Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Scott, the average price of going solar will be about $12,667 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Scott depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Scott see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Scott

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,751
3 years $-15,474
5 years $-13,197
7 years $-10,920
9 years $-8,643
11 years $-6,365
13 years $-4,088
15 years $-1,811
17 years $466
19 years $2,743
21 years $5,020
23 years $7,298
25 years $9,575

Top Solar Installers in Scott

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

If you're looking for a solar company in Scott, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Scott

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scott

Though the average cost of a solar system in Scott is $12,667, your actual 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 consider.

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 that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Scott, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Scott, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $13,599 13.9 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $18,566 13.6 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $23,751 13.3 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $29,153 13.1 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $34,772 12.8 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $40,608 12.5 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $46,662 12.3 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $52,933 12.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall 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 keep in mind, including:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Scott, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scott?

The average cost of solar panels in Scott is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Scott?

You can't get solar panels for free in Scott. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.

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