Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prescott, WI (2024 Update)
- Prescott Solar Installation Cost: $20,019
- 25-Year Savings: $22,772
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prescott
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Prescott.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Prescott it’s 4 per watt.The average Prescott homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,019 with the federal tax credit, or $28,627 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Prescott, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Prescott
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,915 |
| 3 years | $-16,706 |
| 5 years | $-14,498 |
| 7 years | $-12,289 |
| 9 years | $-10,081 |
| 11 years | $-7,872 |
| 13 years | $-5,663 |
| 15 years | $-3,455 |
| 17 years | $-1,246 |
| 19 years | $962 |
| 21 years | $3,171 |
| 23 years | $5,379 |
| 25 years | $7,588 |
Top Solar Installers in Prescott
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Prescott
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prescott
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Prescott: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Prescott average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Prescott, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Prescott homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Prescott’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,509 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,114 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $21,935 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $26,974 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,231 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $37,704 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $43,395 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $49,303 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Prescott, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Prescott?
The average cost of solar panels in Prescott 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Prescott?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Prescott. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Prescott, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.