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

  • Platteville Solar Installation Cost: $19,674
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,822
  • Payback Period: 13.7 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 Platteville

We break down average solar pricing in Platteville.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Platteville, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $19,674 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Platteville based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Platteville find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Platteville for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Platteville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,566
3 years $-16,352
5 years $-14,137
7 years $-11,923
9 years $-9,708
11 years $-7,493
13 years $-5,279
15 years $-3,064
17 years $-849
19 years $1,365
21 years $3,580
23 years $5,795
25 years $8,009

Top Solar Installers in Platteville

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Platteville, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Platteville:

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 Platteville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Platteville

For many Platteville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Platteville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences 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 brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Platteville, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has 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 $12,876 14.2 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $17,602 13.9 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $22,546 13.7 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $27,707 13.4 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $33,085 13.1 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $38,680 12.8 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $44,493 12.6 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $50,523 12.3 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high 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.

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 Platteville, WI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Platteville?

The average cost of solar panels in Platteville is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Platteville?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Platteville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Platteville?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Platteville?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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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