Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitewater, WI (Mar 2023)
- Whitewater Solar Installation Cost: $13,177
- 25-Year Savings: $24,474
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Whitewater
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Whitewater.
In Whitewater, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average Whitewater homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,177 with the federal tax credit, or $18,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Whitewater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,671 |
| 3 years | $-8,659 |
| 5 years | $-5,647 |
| 7 years | $-2,635 |
| 9 years | $377 |
| 11 years | $3,389 |
| 13 years | $6,401 |
| 15 years | $9,414 |
| 17 years | $12,426 |
| 19 years | $15,438 |
| 21 years | $18,450 |
| 23 years | $21,462 |
| 25 years | $24,474 |
Top Solar Installers in Whitewater
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Whitewater, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Whitewater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitewater
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Whitewater homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Whitewater, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a 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 | $19,834 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,737 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $33,785 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $40,979 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $48,318 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $55,803 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $63,434 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $71,210 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully 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 component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Whitewater, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Whitewater?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Whitewater?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,039.70 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.