Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wausau, WI (2024 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:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wausau
We break down average solar pricing in Wausau.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Wausau is 4 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Wausau, the average price of going solar will be about $19,950 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wausau homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Wausau homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Wausau, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wausau
| Year | Return 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 take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Wausau is $19,950, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel 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 mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wausau average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wausau homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Wausau homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Wausau is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Wausau have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,975 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $16,402 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,045 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $25,906 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $30,984 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $36,280 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $41,792 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $47,522 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wausau?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase 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 roofs that can accommodate 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 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.