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

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

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How much do solar panels cost in Eau Claire, WI in 2024?

In Eau Claire, WI, the cost per watt for solar panel installations is around $3.8 per watt in October, 2024.

It will cost $3,800, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system is able to generate. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar system in Eau Claire generally comes out to around $13,300. Please consider, a 5kW system may not be big enough to adequately cover your energy consumption.

To the left, you can choose your county to find the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your area. The following overview, below, highlights the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Eau Claire: $13,300US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Eau Claire: 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.
Eau Claire: $8,379US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Eau Claire

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

Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 10.3kkWh AC per yr.

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

Eau Claire residents typically consume 707 kWh of electricity each month, with bills around $114.08. It’s worth noting that this number accounts for apartments and other smaller dwellings, which generally require lower energy consumption.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Eau Claire, WI is on average 16.13¢ per kWh.

In Eau Claire, a system size of 6 kW or larger is a must for the typical electricity consumer to account for their full energy needs. At this time, a 6 kW solar panel system will initially set you back around $22,800, but the 30% tax credit lowers the cost to $15,960.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Eau Claire

On the left, you will find a cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Eau Claire. Of course, a bigger solar system implies a higher upfront cost, but it also leads to greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The calculator below and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $114.08 in Eau Claire. For tailored results, update the $114.08 to whichever your usual electricity bill is.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $457 a year
Est. Price
$5,320
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $38
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.89 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 87 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,672 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $686 a year
Est. Price
$7,980
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $57
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.83 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 130 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,007 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $915 a year
Est. Price
$10,640
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,718 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $76
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.77 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 173 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,343 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,144 a year
Est. Price
$13,300
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,147 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.72 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 217 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,679 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,372 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 5.64 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 259 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,972 mi less a year

Eau Claire Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural small business owners and farmers could receive REAP Grant funding covering between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. Think you fit this category? Confirm your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to nearly everyone, which makes solar a sensible option in many states. In conjunction with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.

A total of 12 solar rebates and incentives are available in Wisconsin through different utility companies and government departments.

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, investing in solar panels is a smart option in Eau Claire. A 5 kW solar system in Eau Claire, WI might save you an average of $14,079.2 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Eau Claire, WI

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently pointed out that complete dependence on your utility isn't always ideal.

Recently, the average number of utility outages per customer in Eau Claire has been 0.95 annually. Each outage, on average, lasts for 114.46 minutes. In the case of major events like aging infrastructure, earthquakes or planned maintenance, this period can rise substantially.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Eau Claire County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Eau Claire, WI?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a larger upfront cost, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size expands. Installing a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is useful to homeowners because of the money saved.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it essential to choose a highly rated company. Buyers often find that employing better quality makes and models leads to a more satisfactory long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - It's no surprise that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. They come with a higher price, but they provide more energy. Many solar panel installers prefer this type of material.

Your Property - Elements like sloped land, trees, or additional hurdles might complicate the installation process. Solar installers currently have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and incorporate these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The different employee wages paid by companies lead to costs that consumers ultimately bearing . Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area, will impact your installation cost. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first 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 Eau Claire?

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.

Eau Claire, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Eau Claire, WI is $3.8/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Eau Claire, WI drops to roughly $13,300.
  • There are 12 rebates and incentives available in Wisconsin from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash offers the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be specified in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Eau Claire, WI pay for themselves in 10 years, with homeowners saving approximately $14,079.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01