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

  • Rothschild Solar Installation Cost: $19,950
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,539
  • Payback Period: 13.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 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 Rothschild

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Rothschild.

The average cost of solar panels in Rothschild is 4 per watt.The average Rothschild homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,950 with the federal tax credit, or $28,528 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Rothschild, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rothschild

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,811
3 years$-16,534
5 years$-14,257
7 years$-11,980
9 years$-9,703
11 years$-7,426
13 years$-5,148
15 years$-2,871
17 years$-594
19 years$1,683
21 years$3,960
23 years$6,237
25 years$8,514

Top Solar Installers in Rothschild

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 Rothschild

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rothschild

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Rothschild: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Rothschild, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rothschild, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rothschild homeowners, they can also add to 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

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rothschild is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Rothschild are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$14,01713.7 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$19,12313.4 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$24,44813.2 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$29,98912.9 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$35,74812.6 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$41,72312.4 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$47,91712.1 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$54,32711.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • 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: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Rothschild, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Rothschild is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rothschild is currently $223,171, so you can expect a value of about $9,150 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rothschild is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Rothschild?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of 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 keep using 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.