Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wisconsin Rapids, WI (2024 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.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Wisconsin Rapids, the average price of going solar will be about $20,025 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Wisconsin Rapids depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Wisconsin Rapids
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wisconsin Rapids
The cost of installing a solar system in Wisconsin Rapids can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Wisconsin Rapids.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wisconsin Rapids, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wisconsin Rapids?
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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wisconsin Rapids?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Wisconsin Rapids?
Each state has some form 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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Wisconsin Rapids?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.