Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chilton, WI (2024 Update)
- Chilton Solar Installation Cost: $19,657
- 25-Year Savings: $23,440
- Payback Period: 13.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chilton
We go over average solar pricing in Chilton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chilton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Chilton, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,657, or $28,110 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Chilton can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Chilton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chilton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,361 |
| 3 years | $-15,770 |
| 5 years | $-13,179 |
| 7 years | $-10,588 |
| 9 years | $-7,997 |
| 11 years | $-5,406 |
| 13 years | $-2,815 |
| 15 years | $-224 |
| 17 years | $2,367 |
| 19 years | $4,958 |
| 21 years | $7,549 |
| 23 years | $10,140 |
| 25 years | $12,731 |
Top Solar Installers in Chilton
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Chilton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Chilton:
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 Chilton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chilton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chilton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Chilton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chilton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Chilton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chilton homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Chilton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Chilton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $13,404 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,307 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,427 | 13.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,764 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,319 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $40,091 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $46,080 | 12.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $52,286 | 12.1 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Chilton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chilton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chilton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chilton?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Chilton?
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 level 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.