Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tomah, WI (2024 Update)
- Tomah Solar Installation Cost: $20,136
- 25-Year Savings: $23,858
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tomah
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Tomah.
The average cost of a solar system in Tomah is 4 per watt.The average Tomah homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,136 with the federal tax credit, or $28,794 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tomah find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Tomah, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tomah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,028 |
| 3 years | $-16,814 |
| 5 years | $-14,599 |
| 7 years | $-12,384 |
| 9 years | $-10,170 |
| 11 years | $-7,955 |
| 13 years | $-5,740 |
| 15 years | $-3,526 |
| 17 years | $-1,311 |
| 19 years | $903 |
| 21 years | $3,118 |
| 23 years | $5,333 |
| 25 years | $7,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Tomah
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Tomah:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- 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 Tomah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tomah
While the average cost of a solar system in Tomah is $20,136, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tomah to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Tomah homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tomah is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $13,281 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,142 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,221 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,517 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,030 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,761 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,708 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $51,874 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- 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.
- 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: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Tomah, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tomah?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Tomah?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher level 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.