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

  • Portage Solar Installation Cost: $19,816
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,856
  • Payback Period: 12.3 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 Portage

We go over average solar pricing in Portage.

In Portage, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,816 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Portage based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Portage, you can click the button below.

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

When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Portage

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portage

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Portage is $19,816, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive 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 limited 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 utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Portage homeowners choose 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 go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Portage, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see 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 promotions 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 go with will affect 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: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 hire.

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 Portage, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about 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.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Portage, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Portage?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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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