Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, WI (2023 Update)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $13,140
- 25-Year Savings: $27,633
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Vernon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vernon it's 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,140 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Vernon homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,509 |
| 3 years | $-8,248 |
| 5 years | $-4,986 |
| 7 years | $-1,724 |
| 9 years | $1,538 |
| 11 years | $4,800 |
| 13 years | $8,062 |
| 15 years | $11,323 |
| 17 years | $14,585 |
| 19 years | $17,847 |
| 21 years | $21,109 |
| 23 years | $24,371 |
| 25 years | $27,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Vernon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,600. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vernon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Vernon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $22,506 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,300 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,239 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,323 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $54,553 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $62,929 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $71,450 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,117 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Vernon, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vernon?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Vernon?
A solar panel system isn't free in Vernon, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vernon is currently $288,758, which means you can expect a value of about $11,839 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vernon is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.