Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparta, WI (2023 Update)
- Sparta Solar Installation Cost: $13,493
- 25-Year Savings: $23,529
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparta
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Sparta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sparta, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Sparta, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,486, or $19,285 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sparta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,389 |
| 3 years | $-10,180 |
| 5 years | $-7,972 |
| 7 years | $-5,763 |
| 9 years | $-3,555 |
| 11 years | $-1,346 |
| 13 years | $862 |
| 15 years | $3,071 |
| 17 years | $5,279 |
| 19 years | $7,488 |
| 21 years | $9,696 |
| 23 years | $11,905 |
| 25 years | $14,113 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparta
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Sparta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparta
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sparta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,600. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back 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 crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sparta is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,605 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $25,098 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,736 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,520 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,450 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,525 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,746 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $67,113 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Sparta, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sparta?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sparta?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Sparta?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Sparta?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.