Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portage, WI (2025 Update)
- Portage Solar Installation Cost: $19,816
- 25-Year Savings: $26,856
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portage
We go over average solar pricing in Portage.
In Portage, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Portage is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,816 for a solar installation, or $28,337 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Portage can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Portage that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Portage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,709 |
| 3 years | $-16,494 |
| 5 years | $-14,280 |
| 7 years | $-12,065 |
| 9 years | $-9,850 |
| 11 years | $-7,636 |
| 13 years | $-5,421 |
| 15 years | $-3,206 |
| 17 years | $-992 |
| 19 years | $1,223 |
| 21 years | $3,437 |
| 23 years | $5,652 |
| 25 years | $7,867 |
Top Solar Installers in Portage
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Portage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar system 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portage, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Portage homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When figuring out 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 final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Portage, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $16,057 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $21,844 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $27,848 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $34,069 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $40,508 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $47,164 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $54,037 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $61,128 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for 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 a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years 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.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Portage, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portage?
The average cost of solar panels in Portage 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,100.16 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.