Solar Panel Cost Guide in Star Prairie, WI (2024 Update)

  • Star Prairie Solar Installation Cost: $19,998
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,252
  • Payback Period: 14.0 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 Star Prairie

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Star Prairie.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Star Prairie, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Star Prairie is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,998 for a solar installation, or $28,597 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Star Prairie see about $18,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Star Prairie

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,894
3 years $-16,685
5 years $-14,477
7 years $-12,268
9 years $-10,060
11 years $-7,851
13 years $-5,643
15 years $-3,434
17 years $-1,226
19 years $983
21 years $3,191
23 years $5,400
25 years $7,608

Top Solar Installers in Star Prairie

When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Star Prairie

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Star Prairie

The cost of installing a solar system in Star Prairie can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Star Prairie.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Star Prairie, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Star Prairie, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $12,104 14.6 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $16,574 14.3 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $21,261 14.0 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $26,164 13.7 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $31,286 13.5 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $36,624 13.2 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $42,180 12.9 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $47,953 12.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Star Prairie, 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:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming 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.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.

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 Star Prairie, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Star Prairie?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Star Prairie?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Star Prairie, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $968.41 per year.

How many solar panels should I get 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 take a 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 get 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.

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