Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chippewa Falls, WI (2024 Update)
- Chippewa Falls Solar Installation Cost: $20,085
- 25-Year Savings: $23,369
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chippewa Falls
We break down average solar pricing in Chippewa Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chippewa Falls it’s 4 per watt.The average Chippewa Falls homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,085 with the federal tax credit, or $28,722 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chippewa Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,981 |
| 3 years | $-16,773 |
| 5 years | $-14,564 |
| 7 years | $-12,355 |
| 9 years | $-10,147 |
| 11 years | $-7,938 |
| 13 years | $-5,730 |
| 15 years | $-3,521 |
| 17 years | $-1,313 |
| 19 years | $896 |
| 21 years | $3,104 |
| 23 years | $5,313 |
| 25 years | $7,521 |
Top Solar Installers in Chippewa Falls
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
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 Chippewa Falls:
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 Chippewa Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chippewa Falls
The cost of installing a solar system in Chippewa Falls can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,880 per kilowatt in Chippewa Falls.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chippewa Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Chippewa Falls homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chippewa Falls is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,932 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,677 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,640 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,819 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $33,216 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,831 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,662 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,711 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Chippewa Falls, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Chippewa Falls, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chippewa Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Chippewa Falls is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chippewa Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chippewa Falls, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Chippewa Falls?
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 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.