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
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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 national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sun Prairie it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sun Prairie is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,756 for a solar installation, or $28,251 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer 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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Sun Prairie, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Sun Prairie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sun Prairie
There are many criteria that can play into your total 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. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of 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 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 house 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.