Solar Panel Cost Guide in Star Prairie, WI (Mar 2023)
- Star Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $13,395
- 25-Year Savings: $22,257
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Star Prairie
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Star Prairie.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Star Prairie it's 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Star Prairie, the average price of going solar will be about $13,395 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Star Prairie 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. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Star Prairie can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free 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 | $-11,969 |
| 3 years | $-9,117 |
| 5 years | $-6,265 |
| 7 years | $-3,413 |
| 9 years | $-560 |
| 11 years | $2,292 |
| 13 years | $5,144 |
| 15 years | $7,996 |
| 17 years | $10,848 |
| 19 years | $13,701 |
| 21 years | $16,553 |
| 23 years | $19,405 |
| 25 years | $22,257 |
Top Solar Installers in Star Prairie
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, 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 you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Star Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Star Prairie
Although the average cost of a solar system in Star Prairie is $13,395, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,600 per kilowatt in Star Prairie. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Star Prairie homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Star Prairie, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $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
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
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 Star Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Star Prairie?
The average cost of solar panels in Star Prairie 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Star Prairie?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Star Prairie?
Even 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.