Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun Prairie, WI (2023 Update)
- Sun Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $13,231
- 25-Year Savings: $26,467
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun Prairie
We go over average solar pricing in Sun Prairie.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Sun Prairie is 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Sun Prairie, the average price of going solar will be about $13,231 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sun Prairie find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sun Prairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,643 |
| 3 years | $-8,468 |
| 5 years | $-5,292 |
| 7 years | $-2,116 |
| 9 years | $1,060 |
| 11 years | $4,236 |
| 13 years | $7,412 |
| 15 years | $10,587 |
| 17 years | $13,763 |
| 19 years | $16,939 |
| 21 years | $20,115 |
| 23 years | $23,291 |
| 25 years | $26,467 |
Top Solar Installers in Sun Prairie
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Sun Prairie:
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 Sun Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun Prairie
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Sun Prairie, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Sun Prairie know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 help you save 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 | $21,388 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $28,808 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $36,374 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $44,085 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $51,943 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $59,945 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $68,094 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $76,388 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Sun Prairie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Sun Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sun Prairie?
The average cost of solar panels in Sun 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sun Prairie?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,091.48 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.