Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun Prairie, WI (2024 Update)

  • Sun Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,459
  • Payback Period: 12.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun Prairie

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sun Prairie.

The average cost of a solar system in Sun Prairie is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Sun Prairie for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Sun Prairie

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,511
3 years $-16,019
5 years $-13,527
7 years $-11,035
9 years $-8,544
11 years $-6,052
13 years $-3,560
15 years $-1,068
17 years $1,423
19 years $3,915
21 years $6,407
23 years $8,898
25 years $11,390

Top Solar Installers in Sun Prairie

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sun Prairie, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Sun Prairie

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun Prairie

Though the average cost of a solar system in Sun Prairie is $19,756, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar 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 $3,880. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Sun Prairie, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Sun Prairie are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $4.04 $16,948 $15,797 12.9 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $21,497 12.7 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $27,414 12.4 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $33,549 12.2 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $39,900 11.9 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $46,470 11.7 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $53,256 11.4 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $60,260 11.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Sun Prairie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • 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 completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Sun Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sun Prairie?

The average cost of solar panels in Sun Prairie is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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.

Is it worth going solar in Sun Prairie?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.

Follow us