Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waupaca, WI (2024 Update)
- Waupaca Solar Installation Cost: $19,761
- 25-Year Savings: $27,876
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waupaca
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Waupaca.
In Waupaca, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Waupaca, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $19,761, or $28,258 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Waupaca can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Waupaca, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waupaca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,465 |
| 3 years | $-15,874 |
| 5 years | $-13,283 |
| 7 years | $-10,692 |
| 9 years | $-8,101 |
| 11 years | $-5,510 |
| 13 years | $-2,919 |
| 15 years | $-328 |
| 17 years | $2,263 |
| 19 years | $4,854 |
| 21 years | $7,445 |
| 23 years | $10,036 |
| 25 years | $12,626 |
Top Solar Installers in Waupaca
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
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 Waupaca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waupaca
For many Waupaca homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Waupaca, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Waupaca, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Waupaca is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $16,961 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $23,049 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $29,354 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $35,877 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $42,617 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $49,574 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $56,749 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $64,140 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Waupaca, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waupaca?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Waupaca?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.