Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fitchburg, WI (2024 Update)
- Fitchburg Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
- 25-Year Savings: $26,769
- Payback Period: 12.3 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 Fitchburg
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fitchburg.
In Fitchburg, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Fitchburg depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $21,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fitchburg find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fitchburg
| 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 Fitchburg
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fitchburg, 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 Fitchburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fitchburg
Although the average cost of a solar system in Fitchburg is $19,756, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fitchburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Fitchburg have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $16,052 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,837 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,840 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,059 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,496 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,151 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,022 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,111 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Fitchburg, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fitchburg?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fitchburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fitchburg. 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Fitchburg?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.