Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottage Grove, WI (2024 Update)

  • Cottage Grove Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,797
  • Payback Period: 12.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottage Grove

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Cottage Grove.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cottage Grove typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Cottage Grove can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Cottage Grove that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Cottage Grove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,372
3 years $-15,603
5 years $-12,834
7 years $-10,066
9 years $-7,297
11 years $-4,528
13 years $-1,759
15 years $1,010
17 years $3,779
19 years $6,547
21 years $9,316
23 years $12,085
25 years $14,854

Top Solar Installers in Cottage Grove

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Cottage Grove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottage Grove

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cottage Grove is $19,756, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cottage Grove homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cottage Grove, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Cottage Grove are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $16,075 12.8 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $21,868 12.6 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $27,878 12.3 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $34,105 12.1 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $40,550 11.8 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $47,212 11.6 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $54,091 11.3 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $61,188 11.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 previous customers.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Cottage Grove, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cottage Grove?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Cottage Grove have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.

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