Solar Panels Cost 5.4k-16k in Portage, WI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $5.4k-$16k in Portage, WI | October, 2024

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

In Portage, WI, the cost per watt of solar panel installations is around $3.92 per watt in October, 2024.

Based on this rate per watt, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar generation capacity will require an investment of $3,920 for installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar setup in Portage will cost you $13,720. Remember that a bigger system could be required to fulfill your energy demands.

On the left-hand side, you can select your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are the price, 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.
Portage: $13,720US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Portage: 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.
Portage: $7,741US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Portage

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

Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 10.5kkWh AC per yr.

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

Portage residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of $113.92 per month, with a typical usage of 683 kWh. Smaller homes, such as apartments, are also covered in the numbers mentioned in the prior sentence.

Portage, WI's electricity rate is 16.69¢ per kWh in October 2024.

Typical electricity users in Portage need a solar panel system of 6 kW or more to take care of their full power demands. Upfront, a 6 kWsolar panel installation costs around $23,520, after the 30% federal tax credit, the final cost is $16,464.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Portage

To the left, we present a comprehensive pricing details for different solar panel system sizes installed in Portage. Although a more extensive solar installation has a greater cost, it also yields increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, located below and to the right, offers a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $113.92 electric bill for Portage. Just change the $113.92 to your typical electricity bill for more precise results.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $486 a year
Est. Price
$5,488
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
$8,232
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
$10,976
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
$13,720
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
$16,464
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

Portage Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs. If you believe you might be eligible, we suggest using our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar power a good investment in various parts of the country. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to further promote the adoption of solar power.

Wisconsin residents have access to 12 solar rebate and incentive programs from multiple utilities and governmental 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?

For homeowners in Portage planning to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the clear choice. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Portage, WI could save you approximately $13,620.8, with the average break even time being 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Portage, WI

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent media coverage has made it clear that relying solely on your utility isn't always the best idea.

In recent times, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Columbia County has been about 0.89. On average, an outage lasts 169.67 minutes. Major events such as overloaded power grids, landslides or construction accidents can significantly extend these time frames.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the pressure of future outages you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Columbia County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Although the initial cost is higher, the cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Selecting an installer with specific brand preferences means it's even more vital important to go with a highly rated company. The selection of better materials can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the go-to choice in the industry. Even though they are more expensive, they provide more energy. Many installers work with panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Uneven ground, trees, or additional challenges may complicate the installation. Today, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs related to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Frequently, businesses paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will affect the cost of your installation. Reliable local installers will integrate these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Portage?

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.

Portage, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Portage, WI as of October, 2024 is estimated at $3.92/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Portage, WI is estimated to cost $13,720.
  • Utilities and government agencies in Wisconsin are currently offering 12 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash will result in the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Financing options from installers will often be specified in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, homeowners in Portage, WI generally see a payback time of 10 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $13,620.8 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01