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

  • Waupun Solar Installation Cost: $19,756
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,997
  • Payback Period: 14.4 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 Waupun

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Waupun.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waupun typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $19,756 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Waupun find investing in solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Waupun for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Waupun

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,649
3 years $-16,434
5 years $-14,220
7 years $-12,005
9 years $-9,791
11 years $-7,576
13 years $-5,361
15 years $-3,147
17 years $-932
19 years $1,283
21 years $3,497
23 years $5,712
25 years $7,927

Top Solar Installers in Waupun

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Waupun

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waupun

Though the average cost of a solar system in Waupun is $19,756, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Waupun homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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’re only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Waupun is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $11,291 15.0 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $15,490 14.7 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $19,905 14.4 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $24,538 14.1 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $29,388 13.8 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $34,456 13.6 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $39,740 13.3 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $45,242 13.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Waupun, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.

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 Waupun, WI Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waupun?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 solar panels."

How long do solar panels last in Waupun?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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