Solar Panels Cost 5.3k-15k in DeForest, WI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.3k-$15k in DeForest, WI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in DeForest, WI in 2024?

Getting solar panels installed in October, 2024 in DeForest, WI is around $3.8/W.

So, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,800 to get your system installed in . After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in DeForest sets you back $13,300. Be aware that a bigger system may be essential to ensure your energy requirements are met.

On the left-hand side, pick your county to determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes within your area. Displayed below is a breakdown of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
DeForest: $13,300US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
DeForest: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
DeForest: $8,341US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in DeForest

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
DeForest.

Roof size 912sq. ft.
Capacity 12.75kW DC
Electricity 14.7kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in DeForest, WI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

On average, a DeForest energy consumer uses683 kWh and pays $113.92 per month for electricity. Small residences, such as lofts and duplexes, are also included in the statistics mentioned in the prior sentence.

The mean rate for electricity in DeForest, WI during October, 2024 is 16.69¢ per kWh.

In DeForest, the typical energy consumer will need a solar power setup of 6 kW or more to cover their entire power demands. Currently, a 6 kW solar installation will cost around $15,960 after incentives.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in DeForest

On the left and below, there is the pricing details for various sizes of the solar panel systems installed in DeForest. Of course, a more extensive solar system means a higher initial expense, but it also leads to more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The breakdown of costs and benefits for solar panels, displayed in the calculator to the right and below, is based on an average electric bill of $113.92 in DeForest. If you want more tailored results, just adjust the $113.92 to whatever your usual electricity bill is.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $486 a year
Est. Price
$5,320
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $40
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.12 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 97 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,244 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $729 a year
Est. Price
$7,980
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $61
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.18 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 146 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,866 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $972 a year
Est. Price
$10,640
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,718 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $81
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 195 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,487 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,215 a year
Est. Price
$13,300
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,147 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $101
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.3 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 243 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,109 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,458 a year
Est. Price
$15,960
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $114
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 274 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,760 mi less a year

DeForest Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you believe yourself eligible, we recommend utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.

Most residents can qualify for a 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a practical option in numerous areas of the United States. Along with that, there are several state and local efforts designed to further encourage the uptake of solar energy.

Wisconsin offers 12 solar rebate and incentive initiatives through different utilities and government agencies.

Solar incentives in WI

Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program

Value:Up to $500,000

Through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, nonprofits and public-sector agencies may receive grants to fund large-scale renewable energy investments. The current grant amount is variable per kilowatt hour for power generation or per kBTU for thermal systems. There are two requests for proposals (RFPs) opened annually. Organizations must include the technical specifications for their planned equipment, estimated energy/cost savings, and a suggested funding amount based on rate schedule guidelines. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Design Assistance Program

Value:Up to $0.15

Through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, architects, building engineers, contractors, and property owners may be incentivized for meeting green construction standards. Qualifying projects include walls, lighting, windows/doors, insulation/weatherization, HVAC, water heating, and new renewable energy equipment. Awards are paid on a per-property basis; any home, business, or industrial facility may qualify. The current rebate amount is based on energy efficiency at a rate per kilowatt hour saved. Builders will receive a rebate during construction; property owners will receive their smaller rebate after construction is complete.

Renewable Rewards Program

Value:Up to $1,000

Wisconsin homeowners may be eligible for rebates on new solar PV/thermal and geothermal devices. For solar panels, the current rebate stands at $500 per array. Business customers are eligible for similar incentives but will be paid a capacity-based rebate. The maximum possible rebate is currently $1,000 for homes and $50,000 for businesses. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions

Value:Varies

Wisconsin sales/use tax exemptions apply to biofuel for residential energy production. Qualifying purchases include some agricultural crops, landfill gas, pellets, and wood chips/pellets/sawdust. Components used to store biofuels are not eligible for the exemption. Interested customers should submit a completed form S-211 to their retailer, who will apply for the exemption and offer a discount. Additional information and the necessary paperwork are available from the state Department of Revenue.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In Wisconsin, all private and local public electrical utilities are required to offer net metering to their interconnected renewable customers up to a maximum quota. Cooperatives may participate in net metering, but they are not required to offer it. Any system up to 300 kW is eligible. Upon entering a net metering contract, the customer's utility will install a bidirectional meter to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive either monthly or annual bill credits for the NEG they export at a fixed, avoided-cost rate. Fees and capacity limits may apply. The Public Service Commission reserves the right to alter any net metering or energy tariff program.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Wisconsin first established a renewable portfolio standard in 1999. Initial goals required at least 10% of the state's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology. New specific goals have never been implemented, but utilities are nonetheless obligated to increase their renewable energy activities at a rate of 6% per year. Carve-out provisions apply to keep most renewable investments within state lines. Compliance is measured using renewable energy credit (REC) and renewable resource credit (RRC) systems pegging one megawatt hour of electricity to a fluctuating dollar value. Utilities may generate credits through the use of their own renewable installations or purchase them through tariff arrangements and power purchase agreements. Each credit expires after four years of use.

Focus on Energy - Business & Marketing Grant

Value:Varies

Focus on Energy grant funding is available for Wisconsin businesses making new renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. The maximum available grant is $10,000 to fund half of project costs. Eligible projects include new solar, wind, or biomass energy systems not involved in academic or corporate research and development. Grants may also support professional training and marketing initiatives. To apply, the business should be located in a participating utility's service area and submit a successful proposal. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Energy Innovation Grant Program

Value:Varies

Wisconsin Energy Innovation grants are available to local governments, public schools, and manufacturing businesses making renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. The Public Service Commission keeps an annual grant budget of roughly $5 million to award in proportion. Grants can fund new generation/energy storage equipment, sustainable transportation, and engineering reviews/project studies. Application periods, known as requests for proposals, are opened annually. Additional information is available on the Public Service Commission's website.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Distributed generation and grid interconnection practices have been standardized in Wisconsin since 2004. Each new solar, wind, or other renewable energy system is sorted into one of four regulatory "categories" based on capacity. Category 1 ends at 20 kW, Category 2 at 200 kW, and Category 3 at one megawatt. The category of a system will determine the UL/IEEE standards it must follow and the rigor of its permitting process, including application fees and review turnaround time. The state requires all system owners, even of Category 1 systems, to hold minimum liability insurance coverage of more than $300,000 per occurrence. Utilities may further require the installation of external disconnect switches, but may not charge additional fees or require additional regulatory reviews beyond what is necessary. Additional information is available from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

Public Benefits Fund

Value:Varies

In 1999, the Wisconsin legislature first established a public benefits fund for renewable energy and energy efficiency among low-income residents. The fund's day-to-day business is managed by a public/private partnership between Focus on Energy and the Department of Administration. Current fund initiatives support incentives, loans, and grants to home and business owners. Funding is sourced through both consumer surcharges and mandatory utility "buy-ins." Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Energy Efficiency and Green Building Standards for State Buildings

Value:Varies

Public buildings in Wisconsin are subject to sustainability and green construction standards set by the state's Department of Administration. Standards apply to new and existing buildings. New buildings must demonstrate energy efficiency of at least 30% above the state's commercial building codes, themselves based on LEED standards. Remodeling projects in existing facilities should procure only those building materials and appliances which have earned ENERGY STAR certification or which meet EPA/ASHRAE standards. Additional information, including compliance reports, is available from the Department of Administration.

Focus on Energy Program

Value:Varies

Wisconsin Focus on Energy (FoE) is a public benefits fund providing a central management infrastructure for energy efficiency and renewable energy incentive and financing programs. Utilities may tap from the fund to support loans, grants, rebates, and educational initiatives. Funding is supported through customer surcharges and mandatory utility "buy-ins." Additional information is available from the FoE website.

Are solar panels worth it in Wisconsin?

If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, choosing solar panels is a good option in DeForest. Having a 5 kW solar system in DeForest, WI can potentially save you roughly $14,040.8 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in DeForest, WI

Beyond forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. As shown by many recent news reports, full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.

Each year, customers in Dane County experience about 0.49 outages. On average, each outage lasts for 76.21 minutes. Major events like wildlife damage, aging infrastructure or lightning strikes can considerably extend these durations.

Whether it includes a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could ease the burden of any future power interruptions you may experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Dane County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in DeForest, WI?

Your Energy Needs - The initial investment for larger solar panel installations is greater, but the average price per watt drops as the system grows. Many consumers realize it's a great idea to set up a solar system that can produce enough power to fully cover their electric bill, because it helps them save more money.

Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a range of makes and models. The potential brand preferences of your selected installer make it essential to choose a recommended company. For buyers desiring a better long-term experience, opting for higher quality makes and models is critical.

Solar Panel Type - For good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels cost more but yield a higher energy efficiency. The majority of installers in the industry work with panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven ground, trees, or other challenges may add to the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers today frequently utilize satellite imagery to evaluate your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Employees receive varied wages from different companies, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. Usually, companies paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be impacted by varying local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Good installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in DeForest?

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(340) 227-7785

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Generac

Waukesha, WI(888) 436-3722

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Bright Skies

Pleasant Grove, UT(608) 293-1163

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of batteries.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Olson Solar Energy

Onalaska, WI(608) 780-2347

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

DT Solar

(888) 984-6786

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

DeForest, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in DeForest, WI is $3.8/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in DeForest, WI will roughly cost $13,300.
  • In Wisconsin, you have access to 12 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Choosing to pay cash provides the most savings, but today there are many financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Information about financing options is typically included in initial quotes provided by installers.
  • Yes, in DeForest, WI, the average time for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay for themselves is 10 years, leading to electricity savings of $14,040.8 over a 20-year period.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01