Solar Panel Cost Guide in Star Prairie, WI (2023 Update)
- Star Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $13,401
- 25-Year Savings: $22,252
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Star Prairie
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Star Prairie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Star Prairie, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Star Prairie, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,395, or $19,155 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Star Prairie homeowner. The cost 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. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Star Prairie homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Star Prairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,282 |
| 3 years | $-13,044 |
| 5 years | $-12,806 |
| 7 years | $-12,569 |
| 9 years | $-12,331 |
| 11 years | $-12,093 |
| 13 years | $-11,856 |
| 15 years | $-11,618 |
| 17 years | $-11,380 |
| 19 years | $-11,143 |
| 21 years | $-10,905 |
| 23 years | $-10,667 |
| 25 years | $-10,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Star Prairie
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Star Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Star Prairie
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Star Prairie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,600. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Star Prairie, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries 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 Star Prairie homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Star Prairie's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Star Prairie are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 end up saving you 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $17,696 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $23,885 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,221 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $36,701 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $43,328 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $50,100 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $57,018 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $64,081 | 8.5 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 looking over 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- 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 previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
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 Star Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Star Prairie?
This is a difficult 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Star Prairie?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 take a 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 get 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.