Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stoughton, WI (2024 Update)
- Stoughton Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $21,077
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stoughton
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Stoughton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stoughton it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Stoughton, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,756, or $28,251 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Stoughton can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Stoughton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stoughton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,649 |
| 3 years | $-16,435 |
| 5 years | $-14,220 |
| 7 years | $-12,005 |
| 9 years | $-9,791 |
| 11 years | $-7,576 |
| 13 years | $-5,361 |
| 15 years | $-3,147 |
| 17 years | $-932 |
| 19 years | $1,283 |
| 21 years | $3,497 |
| 23 years | $5,712 |
| 25 years | $7,927 |
Top Solar Installers in Stoughton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Stoughton, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Stoughton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stoughton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Stoughton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Stoughton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stoughton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Stoughton homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 | $11,357 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,577 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $20,015 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $24,669 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $29,541 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $34,631 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $39,937 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $45,461 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification 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, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Stoughton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stoughton?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Stoughton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stoughton?
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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Stoughton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.