Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wisconsin Rapids, WI (2025 Update)
- Wisconsin Rapids Solar Installation Cost: $20,025
- 25-Year Savings: $19,554
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wisconsin Rapids
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wisconsin Rapids.
In Wisconsin Rapids, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $20,025 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wisconsin Rapids homeowners. The cost 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.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Wisconsin Rapids homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Wisconsin Rapids that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wisconsin Rapids
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-19,336 |
3 years | $-17,959 |
5 years | $-16,581 |
7 years | $-15,204 |
9 years | $-13,826 |
11 years | $-12,449 |
13 years | $-11,071 |
15 years | $-9,693 |
17 years | $-8,316 |
19 years | $-6,938 |
21 years | $-5,561 |
23 years | $-4,183 |
25 years | $-2,806 |
Top Solar Installers in Wisconsin Rapids
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wisconsin Rapids
For many Wisconsin Rapids homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wisconsin Rapids, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,880 per kilowatt in Wisconsin Rapids.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Wisconsin Rapids, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Wisconsin Rapids, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $9,885 | 15.8 years |
8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $13,614 | 15.5 years |
10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $17,561 | 15.2 years |
12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $21,725 | 14.9 years |
14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $26,106 | 14.6 years |
16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $30,705 | 14.3 years |
18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $35,521 | 14.0 years |
20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $40,554 | 13.7 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Wisconsin Rapids, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wisconsin Rapids?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wisconsin Rapids?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Wisconsin Rapids have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Wisconsin Rapids?
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.