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
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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 average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $19,671 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Whitewater homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Whitewater for a quote for your home.
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 switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Whitewater, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 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
While the average cost of a solar system in Whitewater is $19,671, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,880. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular 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 wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Whitewater’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Whitewater 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases 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.