Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sun Prairie, WI (2023 Update)
- Sun Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $13,239
- 25-Year Savings: $26,459
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sun Prairie
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sun Prairie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sun Prairie, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Sun Prairie is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,231 for a solar installation, or $18,920 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Sun Prairie that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sun Prairie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,107 |
| 3 years | $-12,842 |
| 5 years | $-12,577 |
| 7 years | $-12,313 |
| 9 years | $-12,048 |
| 11 years | $-11,783 |
| 13 years | $-11,519 |
| 15 years | $-11,254 |
| 17 years | $-10,989 |
| 19 years | $-10,725 |
| 21 years | $-10,460 |
| 23 years | $-10,195 |
| 25 years | $-9,931 |
Top Solar Installers in Sun Prairie
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Sun Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun Prairie
For many Sun Prairie homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sun Prairie, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sun Prairie homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Sun 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 promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands 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, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
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 Sun Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sun Prairie?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Sun Prairie?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sun Prairie. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Sun Prairie?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.