Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waupun, WI (2023 Update)
- Waupun Solar Installation Cost: $13,239
- 25-Year Savings: $20,997
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waupun
We go over average solar pricing in Waupun.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waupun it's 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Waupun, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,231, or $18,920 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Waupun based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waupun
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,125 |
| 3 years | $-12,896 |
| 5 years | $-12,668 |
| 7 years | $-12,440 |
| 9 years | $-12,212 |
| 11 years | $-11,983 |
| 13 years | $-11,755 |
| 15 years | $-11,527 |
| 17 years | $-11,299 |
| 19 years | $-11,071 |
| 21 years | $-10,842 |
| 23 years | $-10,614 |
| 25 years | $-10,386 |
Top Solar Installers in Waupun
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Waupun
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waupun
There are a number of criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Waupun, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Waupun, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to include 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 installer you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $16,882 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $22,801 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $28,865 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $35,075 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $41,430 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $47,932 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $54,578 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $61,370 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Waupun, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Waupun, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waupun?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Waupun?
You can't get solar panels for free in Waupun. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Waupun?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.