Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie du Chien, WI (2024 Update)
- Prairie du Chien Solar Installation Cost: $19,828
- 25-Year Savings: $22,718
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie du Chien
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Prairie du Chien.
In Prairie du Chien, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Prairie du Chien is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,828 for a solar installation, or $28,354 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Prairie du Chien homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Prairie du Chien can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prairie du Chien
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,721 |
| 3 years | $-16,506 |
| 5 years | $-14,292 |
| 7 years | $-12,077 |
| 9 years | $-9,862 |
| 11 years | $-7,648 |
| 13 years | $-5,433 |
| 15 years | $-3,219 |
| 17 years | $-1,004 |
| 19 years | $1,211 |
| 21 years | $3,425 |
| 23 years | $5,640 |
| 25 years | $7,855 |
Top Solar Installers in Prairie du Chien
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Prairie du Chien
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie du Chien
The cost of installing a solar system in Prairie du Chien can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Prairie du Chien.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Prairie du Chien, where sunlight isn’t as 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Prairie du Chien to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $12,643 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,292 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,158 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,242 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,542 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,060 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,796 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,748 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Prairie du Chien, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Prairie du Chien, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie du Chien?
The average cost of solar panels in Prairie du Chien 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Prairie du Chien?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Prairie du Chien is currently $184,685, so you can expect a value of about $7,572 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Prairie du Chien is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 cover 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.