Solar Panel Cost Guide in Jefferson, WI (2024 Update)
- Jefferson Solar Installation Cost: $19,772
- 25-Year Savings: $22,733
- Payback Period: 13.7 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 Jefferson
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Jefferson.
In Jefferson, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Jefferson is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,772 for a solar installation, or $28,274 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Jefferson homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Jefferson find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Jefferson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,476 |
| 3 years | $-15,886 |
| 5 years | $-13,295 |
| 7 years | $-10,704 |
| 9 years | $-8,113 |
| 11 years | $-5,522 |
| 13 years | $-2,931 |
| 15 years | $-340 |
| 17 years | $2,251 |
| 19 years | $4,842 |
| 21 years | $7,433 |
| 23 years | $10,024 |
| 25 years | $12,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Jefferson
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Jefferson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Jefferson
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Jefferson: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Jefferson.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Jefferson offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Jefferson’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $12,708 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,379 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,267 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,372 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,695 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,235 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,992 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,966 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Jefferson, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Jefferson?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.