Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wausau, WI (2025 Update)

  • Wausau Solar Installation Cost: $19,950
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,040
  • Payback Period: 14.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wausau

We break down average solar pricing in Wausau.

The average cost of solar panels in Wausau is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Wausau, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,950, or $28,528 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average Wausau homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Wausau for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Wausau

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,811
3 years$-16,534
5 years$-14,257
7 years$-11,980
9 years$-9,703
11 years$-7,426
13 years$-5,148
15 years$-2,871
17 years$-594
19 years$1,683
21 years$3,960
23 years$6,237
25 years$8,514

Top Solar Installers in Wausau

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Wausau

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wausau

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Wausau is $19,950, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Wausau, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wausau average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Wausau homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Wausau homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Wausau, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better 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 names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$11,97514.6 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$16,40214.4 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$21,04514.1 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$25,90613.8 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$30,98413.5 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$36,28013.2 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$41,79213.0 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$47,52212.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Wausau, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wausau?

The average cost of solar panels in Wausau is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eradicate 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 contact 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, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.