Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stoughton, WI (Mar 2023)
- Stoughton Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $21,084
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stoughton
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Stoughton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stoughton, the average cost of a solar system is 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,231 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Stoughton homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stoughton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,859 |
| 3 years | $-9,114 |
| 5 years | $-6,368 |
| 7 years | $-3,623 |
| 9 years | $-878 |
| 11 years | $1,867 |
| 13 years | $4,613 |
| 15 years | $7,358 |
| 17 years | $10,103 |
| 19 years | $12,848 |
| 21 years | $15,594 |
| 23 years | $18,339 |
| 25 years | $21,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Stoughton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Stoughton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stoughton
The cost of installing a solar system in Stoughton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Stoughton, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $16,948 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $22,888 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $28,975 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $35,206 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $41,584 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $48,107 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $54,775 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $61,589 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Stoughton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stoughton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stoughton?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 get the most savings.
Does Stoughton have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 account for 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.