Solar Panel Cost Guide in Whitewater, WI (2024 Update)

  • Whitewater Solar Installation Cost: $19,671
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,469
  • Payback Period: 13.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Whitewater

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Whitewater.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Whitewater, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Whitewater, the average price of going solar will be about $19,671 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Whitewater for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Whitewater

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,375
3 years $-15,784
5 years $-13,193
7 years $-10,602
9 years $-8,011
11 years $-5,420
13 years $-2,829
15 years $-238
17 years $2,353
19 years $4,944
21 years $7,534
23 years $10,125
25 years $12,716

Top Solar Installers in Whitewater

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Whitewater

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Whitewater

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Whitewater: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,880. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Whitewater to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Whitewater is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may notice 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 major players.

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 $14,243 13.6 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $19,425 13.3 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $24,825 13.1 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $30,442 12.8 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $36,276 12.5 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $42,327 12.3 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $48,596 12.0 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $55,082 11.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Whitewater, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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