Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stevens Point, WI (2024 Update)
- Stevens Point Solar Installation Cost: $19,891
- 25-Year Savings: $23,625
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stevens Point
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Stevens Point.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stevens Point, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 7.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Stevens Point, the average price of going solar will be about $19,891 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Stevens Point homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Stevens Point homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Stevens Point, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stevens Point
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,913 |
| 3 years | $-16,956 |
| 5 years | $-15,000 |
| 7 years | $-13,043 |
| 9 years | $-11,087 |
| 11 years | $-9,131 |
| 13 years | $-7,174 |
| 15 years | $-5,218 |
| 17 years | $-3,261 |
| 19 years | $-1,305 |
| 21 years | $652 |
| 23 years | $2,608 |
| 25 years | $4,565 |
Top Solar Installers in Stevens Point
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging 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.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Stevens Point
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stevens Point
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Stevens Point is $19,891, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,880 per kilowatt in Stevens Point.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stevens Point to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Stevens Point, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $13,327 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $18,204 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $23,298 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $28,609 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $34,138 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $39,884 | 12.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $45,847 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $52,027 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Stevens Point, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Stevens Point, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stevens Point?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stevens Point?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Stevens Point, 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.