Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown, WI (2024 Update)
- Watertown Solar Installation Cost: $19,771
- 25-Year Savings: $25,790
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watertown
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Watertown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Watertown, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Watertown is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,771 for a solar installation, or $28,273 before the 0 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 use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Watertown find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Watertown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,476 |
| 3 years | $-15,885 |
| 5 years | $-13,294 |
| 7 years | $-10,703 |
| 9 years | $-8,112 |
| 11 years | $-5,521 |
| 13 years | $-2,930 |
| 15 years | $-339 |
| 17 years | $2,252 |
| 19 years | $4,843 |
| 21 years | $7,434 |
| 23 years | $10,025 |
| 25 years | $12,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Watertown
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Watertown, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Watertown, we've compiled 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 Watertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown
The cost of installing a solar system in Watertown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,880 per kilowatt in Watertown.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Watertown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 car 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 | $15,229 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,739 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $26,467 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $32,413 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $38,575 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $44,955 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $51,552 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $58,367 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Watertown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Watertown, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watertown?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Watertown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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.