Solar Panel Cost Guide in Howard, WI (2024 Update)

  • Howard Solar Installation Cost: $19,292
  • 25-Year Savings: $9,173
  • Payback Period: 13.6 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 Howard

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

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Howard, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Howard is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,292 for a solar installation, or $27,588 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after 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 electricity bills.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Howard, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Howard

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,153
3 years $-15,876
5 years $-13,599
7 years $-11,322
9 years $-9,045
11 years $-6,768
13 years $-4,490
15 years $-2,213
17 years $64
19 years $2,341
21 years $4,618
23 years $6,895
25 years $9,173

Top Solar Installers in Howard

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Howard, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Howard

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Howard

There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,880. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Howard, 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Howard homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Howard, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 $12,962 14.2 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $17,717 13.9 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $22,689 13.6 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $27,879 13.3 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $33,286 13.1 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $38,910 12.8 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $44,752 12.5 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $50,811 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.

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 Howard, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Howard?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Howard?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Howard have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?

On average, solar panels can last 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.

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