Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rhinelander, WI (2024 Update)
- Rhinelander Solar Installation Cost: $20,481
- 25-Year Savings: $21,684
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rhinelander
We go over average solar pricing in Rhinelander.
In Rhinelander, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 7.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Rhinelander, the average price of going solar will be about $20,481 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rhinelander see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rhinelander
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,342 |
| 3 years | $-17,065 |
| 5 years | $-14,788 |
| 7 years | $-12,511 |
| 9 years | $-10,234 |
| 11 years | $-7,956 |
| 13 years | $-5,679 |
| 15 years | $-3,402 |
| 17 years | $-1,125 |
| 19 years | $1,152 |
| 21 years | $3,429 |
| 23 years | $5,706 |
| 25 years | $7,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Rhinelander
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
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 National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Rhinelander
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rhinelander
Though the average cost of a solar system in Rhinelander is $20,481, your actual 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 crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,880.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rhinelander, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar companies in Rhinelander provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rhinelander homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rhinelander, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting 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 | $11,226 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $15,402 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $19,796 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $24,407 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $29,235 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $34,280 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $39,543 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $45,023 | 13.0 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Rhinelander, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rhinelander?
The average cost of solar panels in Rhinelander 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Rhinelander?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.