Solar Panel Cost Guide in Viroqua, WI (2023 Update)

  • Viroqua Solar Installation Cost: $13,413
  • 25-Year Savings: $23,923
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Viroqua

We go over average solar pricing in Viroqua.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Viroqua generally cost around 2.6. The average solar panel system size in Viroqua is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,413 for a solar installation, or $19,181 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Viroqua homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Viroqua homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Viroqua for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Viroqua

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,920
3 years $-8,933
5 years $-5,946
7 years $-2,959
9 years $28
11 years $3,015
13 years $6,002
15 years $8,989
17 years $11,975
19 years $14,962
21 years $17,949
23 years $20,936
25 years $23,923

Top Solar Installers in Viroqua

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 go with a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Viroqua

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Viroqua

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Viroqua: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Viroqua, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Viroqua have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Viroqua have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $2.70 $11,357 $19,058 9.3 years
8 kW $2.65 $14,851 $25,702 9.2 years
10 kW $2.60 $18,200 $32,492 9.0 years
12 kW $2.55 $21,403 $39,427 8.8 years
14 kW $2.50 $24,461 $46,508 8.6 years
16 kW $2.44 $27,373 $53,734 8.4 years
18 kW $2.39 $30,139 $61,106 8.3 years
20 kW $2.34 $32,760 $68,623 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.

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 Viroqua, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Viroqua?

The average cost of solar panels in Viroqua is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Viroqua?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Viroqua is currently $157,500, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,458 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Viroqua 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 needs and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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