Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparta, WI (2024 Update)
- Sparta Solar Installation Cost: $20,136
- 25-Year Savings: $23,529
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparta
We break down average solar pricing in Sparta.
In Sparta, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sparta, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $20,136, or $28,794 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sparta find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Sparta for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sparta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,031 |
| 3 years | $-16,823 |
| 5 years | $-14,614 |
| 7 years | $-12,406 |
| 9 years | $-10,197 |
| 11 years | $-7,989 |
| 13 years | $-5,780 |
| 15 years | $-3,572 |
| 17 years | $-1,363 |
| 19 years | $845 |
| 21 years | $3,054 |
| 23 years | $5,262 |
| 25 years | $7,471 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparta
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
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 Sparta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparta
The cost of installing a solar system in Sparta can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few 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 raise 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 raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sparta homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Sparta’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,014 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,786 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,776 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,983 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,408 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,049 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,908 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,985 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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
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 Sparta, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sparta?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sparta?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sparta. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sparta?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Sparta?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.