Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waupaca, WI (2023 Update)
- Waupaca Solar Installation Cost: $13,242
- 25-Year Savings: $27,876
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waupaca
We break down average solar pricing in Waupaca.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Waupaca, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. The average Waupaca homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,250 with the federal tax credit, or $18,948 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Waupaca depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waupaca find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Waupaca for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Waupaca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,946 |
| 3 years | $-9,355 |
| 5 years | $-6,764 |
| 7 years | $-4,173 |
| 9 years | $-1,582 |
| 11 years | $1,009 |
| 13 years | $3,600 |
| 15 years | $6,191 |
| 17 years | $8,782 |
| 19 years | $11,373 |
| 21 years | $13,964 |
| 23 years | $16,554 |
| 25 years | $19,145 |
Top Solar Installers in Waupaca
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
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 Waupaca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waupaca
For many Waupaca homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waupaca, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,600 per kilowatt in Waupaca. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you 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 hire to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Waupaca's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $22,552 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $30,360 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $38,314 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $46,414 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $54,659 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $63,050 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $71,586 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $80,268 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with 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 several important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power 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: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Waupaca, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waupaca?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Waupaca?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.