Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waupun, WI (2025 Update)
- Waupun Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $20,997
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waupun
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Waupun.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waupun generally cost around 4.The average Waupun homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,756 with the federal tax credit, or $28,251 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waupun find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Waupun, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waupun
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,649 |
| 3 years | $-16,434 |
| 5 years | $-14,220 |
| 7 years | $-12,005 |
| 9 years | $-9,791 |
| 11 years | $-7,576 |
| 13 years | $-5,361 |
| 15 years | $-3,147 |
| 17 years | $-932 |
| 19 years | $1,283 |
| 21 years | $3,497 |
| 23 years | $5,712 |
| 25 years | $7,927 |
Top Solar Installers in Waupun
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Waupun
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waupun
There are a number of criteria that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Waupun, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Waupun to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When considering 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
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on 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 | $4.04 | $16,948 | $11,291 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,490 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $19,905 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $24,538 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $29,388 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $34,456 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $39,740 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $45,242 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Waupun, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waupun?
The average cost of solar panels in Waupun is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waupun?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Waupun?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.