Solar Panels Cost 4.9k-14k in Rice Lake, WI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $4.9k-$14k in Rice Lake, WI | October, 2024

High Power Bills?

Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar

How much do solar panels cost in Rice Lake, WI in 2024?

The typical price per watt of solar panel systems in Rice Lake, WI in October, 2024 is $3.57/W.

This means that, solar panel installations will cost you approximately, on average, $3,570 per 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of generation capacity. A 5 kW solar panel install in Rice Lake will generally cost you $12,495 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. To fulfill your energy needs, you could require more than a 5kW system.

On the left-hand side, pick your county to determine the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes within your area. Find below a full analysis of the {price|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.
Rice Lake: $12,495US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Rice Lake: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Rice Lake: $2,876US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Rice Lake

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

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

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

Rice Lake residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of $86.36 per month, with a typical consumption of 692 kWh. Smaller dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also encompassed in the numbers cited in the previous sentence.

The average electricity rate in Rice Lake, WI in October 2024 is 12.47¢ per kWh.

In Rice Lake, a typical electricity user's electricity requirements should be fully accounted for by a solar panel system with a production capacity of 6 kW or more. Upfront, a 6 kWsolar system costs around $21,420, with the 30% tax credit, the price drops to $14,994.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Rice Lake

On the left side below, the cost breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Rice Lake is displayed. Of course, with a bigger solar system, you will have a larger initial investment, but the rewards are higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, displayed in the calculator below and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $86.36 in Rice Lake. Adjust the $86.36 to fit your average bill payment for more precise outcomes.

System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $343 a year
Est. Price
$4,998
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $29
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.98 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 91 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,907 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $515 a year
Est. Price
$7,497
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $43
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.97 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 137 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,360 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $686 a year
Est. Price
$9,996
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,718 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $57
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 182 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,813 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $858 a year
Est. Price
$12,495
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,147 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $71
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 228 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,266 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,029 a year
Est. Price
$14,994
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,576 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $86
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 273 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,720 mi less a year

Rice Lake Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant is designed to assist rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses by covering 80% to 100% of the costs associated with solar or wind turbine installations. If you think you might be in this category, we suggest verifying your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For residential solar installations, the majority of homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. State and local governments offer various programs to promote the switch to solar energy.

Residents of Wisconsin can access 12 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from a variety of utilities and governmental organizations.

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 you're planning to reside in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a smart decision in Rice Lake. A 5 kW solar system in Rice Lake, WI might save you an average of $8,231.4 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 12 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Rice Lake, WI

In addition to missing out on the aforementioned savings, not having solar panels or a separate backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news coverage has demonstrated that complete reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.

Generally, customers in Rice Lake face around 1.22 outages. Outages typically last for an average of 158.24 minutes. Major occurrences like overloaded power grids, tornadoes or planned maintenance can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.

A solar energy system, regardless of a backup battery, could lessen the effects of any future power interruptions you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Barron County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in Rice Lake, WI?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is higher, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often realize that installing a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.

Make & Model - Just like many products, solar panels are offered in a variety of makes and models. The system preferences of your chosen installer can make it essential to choose a highly rated company. Selecting superior quality materials generally provides a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. Most installers use these types of panels.

Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Sloping terrain, trees, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. By using satellite images, solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these elements into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs associated with the different wages given by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Companies paying more to their employees typically get higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Who are the best solar installers in Rice Lake?

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.

Rice Lake, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Rice Lake, WI as of October, 2024 is $3.57/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Rice Lake, WI, after deducting federal tax credits, is $12,495.
  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Wisconsin are offering 12 rebates and incentives at this time. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
  • Cash payments result in the greatest savings, but numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially advantageous are now available. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be included in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Rice Lake, WI is 12 years, with expected savings of $8,231.4 on electricity over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01