Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clintonville, WI (2024 Update)
- Clintonville Solar Installation Cost: $19,761
- 25-Year Savings: $25,843
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clintonville
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Clintonville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clintonville, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Clintonville, the average price of going solar will be about $19,761 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Clintonville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clintonville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,465 |
| 3 years | $-15,874 |
| 5 years | $-13,283 |
| 7 years | $-10,692 |
| 9 years | $-8,101 |
| 11 years | $-5,510 |
| 13 years | $-2,919 |
| 15 years | $-328 |
| 17 years | $2,263 |
| 19 years | $4,854 |
| 21 years | $7,445 |
| 23 years | $10,036 |
| 25 years | $12,626 |
Top Solar Installers in Clintonville
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Clintonville, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clintonville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clintonville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Clintonville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 Clintonville, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Clintonville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $15,284 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $20,813 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $26,560 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $32,524 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $38,705 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $45,103 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $51,719 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $58,552 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
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 Clintonville, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clintonville?
The average cost of solar panels in Clintonville 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Clintonville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clintonville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Clintonville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.