Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wausau, WI (2023 Update)
- Wausau Solar Installation Cost: $13,377
- 25-Year Savings: $22,032
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wausau
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Wausau.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wausau it's 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $13,377 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wausau homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Wausau find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wausau
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,961 |
| 3 years | $-9,128 |
| 5 years | $-6,295 |
| 7 years | $-3,463 |
| 9 years | $-630 |
| 11 years | $2,203 |
| 13 years | $5,035 |
| 15 years | $7,868 |
| 17 years | $10,701 |
| 19 years | $13,533 |
| 21 years | $16,366 |
| 23 years | $19,199 |
| 25 years | $22,032 |
Top Solar Installers in Wausau
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Wausau
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wausau
The cost of installing a solar system in Wausau can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest 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 going solar 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 pay about $2,600 per kilowatt in Wausau. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just 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 a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wausau, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $17,566 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $23,713 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $30,005 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $36,443 | 9.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $43,026 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $49,755 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $56,630 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $63,650 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Wausau, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wausau?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wausau?
Solar panels aren't free in Wausau, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Wausau, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.