Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caledonia, WI (2024 Update)
- Caledonia Solar Installation Cost: $18,973
- 25-Year Savings: $28,059
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caledonia
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Caledonia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Caledonia, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $18,973 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 Caledonia homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Caledonia homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Caledonia for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Caledonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,678 |
| 3 years | $-15,087 |
| 5 years | $-12,496 |
| 7 years | $-9,905 |
| 9 years | $-7,314 |
| 11 years | $-4,723 |
| 13 years | $-2,132 |
| 15 years | $459 |
| 17 years | $3,050 |
| 19 years | $5,641 |
| 21 years | $8,232 |
| 23 years | $10,823 |
| 25 years | $13,414 |
Top Solar Installers in Caledonia
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Caledonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caledonia
While the average cost of a solar system in Caledonia is $18,973, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Caledonia, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, 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 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Caledonia to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Caledonia is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $18,072 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $24,531 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $31,206 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $38,099 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $45,210 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $52,538 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $60,082 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $67,845 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Caledonia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Caledonia, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Caledonia?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Caledonia?
Solar panels aren’t free in Caledonia, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,167.33 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.