Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grafton, WI (2024 Update)
- Grafton Solar Installation Cost: $18,679
- 25-Year Savings: $24,812
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grafton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Grafton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Grafton typically cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Grafton, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,679, or $26,711 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Grafton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Grafton see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grafton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,383 |
| 3 years | $-14,792 |
| 5 years | $-12,201 |
| 7 years | $-9,610 |
| 9 years | $-7,019 |
| 11 years | $-4,428 |
| 13 years | $-1,837 |
| 15 years | $754 |
| 17 years | $3,345 |
| 19 years | $5,936 |
| 21 years | $8,527 |
| 23 years | $11,117 |
| 25 years | $13,708 |
Top Solar Installers in Grafton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Grafton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grafton
The cost of installing a solar system in Grafton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,880. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Grafton, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Grafton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Grafton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 companies.
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 | $15,619 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,259 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,118 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $33,193 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $39,486 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $45,995 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $52,723 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $59,667 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Grafton, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grafton?
The average cost of solar panels in Grafton 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Grafton is currently $386,144, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,832 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Grafton is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.