Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watertown, WI (2023 Update)
- Watertown Solar Installation Cost: $13,250
- 25-Year Savings: $25,789
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watertown
We break down average solar pricing in Watertown.
In Watertown, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Watertown, the average price of going solar will be about $13,250 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Watertown homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Watertown for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Watertown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,688 |
| 3 years | $-8,565 |
| 5 years | $-5,442 |
| 7 years | $-2,319 |
| 9 years | $804 |
| 11 years | $3,928 |
| 13 years | $7,051 |
| 15 years | $10,174 |
| 17 years | $13,297 |
| 19 years | $16,420 |
| 21 years | $19,543 |
| 23 years | $22,666 |
| 25 years | $25,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Watertown
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Watertown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watertown
For many Watertown homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Watertown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Watertown, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $20,820 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $28,051 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $35,427 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $42,950 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $50,617 | 8.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $58,431 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $66,390 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $74,495 | 7.6 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Watertown, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Watertown?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,072.55 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.