Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, WI (2024 Update)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $19,621
- 25-Year Savings: $27,625
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Vernon.
In Vernon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Vernon is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,621 for a solar installation, or $28,058 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Vernon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,326 |
| 3 years | $-15,735 |
| 5 years | $-13,144 |
| 7 years | $-10,553 |
| 9 years | $-7,962 |
| 11 years | $-5,371 |
| 13 years | $-2,780 |
| 15 years | $-189 |
| 17 years | $2,402 |
| 19 years | $4,993 |
| 21 years | $7,584 |
| 23 years | $10,175 |
| 25 years | $12,766 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate 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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,880. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vernon to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Vernon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $16,915 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $22,988 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $29,279 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $35,786 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $42,511 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $49,453 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $56,613 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $63,989 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Vernon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Vernon, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vernon?
The average cost of solar panels in Vernon 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.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority 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 energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.