Solar Panels Cost 2.6k-13k in Wausau, WI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Wausau, WI | October, 2024

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

Going solar costs, on average, $3.84 per watt in the month of October, 2024 in Wausau, WI.

It will cost you $3,840, on average, for every 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacity that your solar panels have. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend around $13,440, in Wausau, for a 5 kW panel install. It's important to realize that a bigger system might be needed to cover your energy consumption.

On the left-hand side, pick your county to access information on the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on homes within your area. Displayed below is a summary of the price, 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.
Wausau: $13,440US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Wausau: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Wausau: $4,190US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Wausau

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

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

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

For Wausau energy consumers, the standard monthly kWh usage is 593, with an average electric bill of $97.46. Be mindful that this figure includes data from apartments and other smaller homes with reduced energy consumption.

The electricity rate per kWh in Wausau, WI for October 2024 averages 16.45¢.

If you’re an average energy user in Wausau you must have a 5 kW or larger sized system to cover your entire energy demands. Currently, a 5 kW solar panel installation will cost you roughly $19,200at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, bringing the cost down to $13,440.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Wausau

To the left side and below, there is the cost summary for multiple sizes of solar panel systems set up in Wausau. As expected, with a bigger solar system, there will be a higher upfront cost, but the benefits include more electricity savings and greater income tax credits.

Using the solar panel cost calculator situated down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $97.46 in Wausau. Swap the $97.46 with your average electricity bill to get more accurate results.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $229 a year
Est. Price
$2,688
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,429 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $19
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.11 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 51 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,758 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $457 a year
Est. Price
$5,376
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $38
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.23 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 102 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,516 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $686 a year
Est. Price
$8,064
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $57
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.34 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 154 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,273 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $915 a year
Est. Price
$10,752
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,718 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $76
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 205 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,031 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,144 a year
Est. Price
$13,440
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,147 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.57 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 256 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,789 mi less a year

Wausau Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. If you think you might be in this category, we suggest checking your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those considering residential solar options, a 30% federal income tax credit is broadly available, increasing the appeal and practicality of solar energy in various areas in the nation. Together with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.

A total of 12 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Wisconsin from different utilities and government bodies.

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 plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Wausau. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Wausau, WI will, on average, save you $9,950.4 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Wausau, WI

Not installing solar panels or any other backup energy system leads to missing the earlier mentioned savings and full dependence on your electric utility for electricity. As recent examples in the news have shown, total dependence on your utility provider isn't always the best idea.

In recent years, utilities in Wausau have had an average of 0.86 outages per customer annually. Usually, outages have an average duration of 102.25 minutes. However, during critical events like hurricanes, aging infrastructure, or wildlife damage, these times can extend dramatically.

Regardless of whether featuring a backup battery or not, a solar panel system can alleviate the strain of possible future outages.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Marathon County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a larger initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. Most consumers see the benefit in installing a solar setup that can produce enough power to replace their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are available in a variety of makes and models. Given the certain system preferences an contractor might have, choosing a reputable contractor is crucial. The utilization of better equipment is likely to yield a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's no surprise that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels cost more but produce more energy. Most installers in the industry work with panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Trees, rough terrain, or other challenges can increase the difficulty of the installation. Nowadays, the majority of solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and include these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these expenses are passed on to the consumers. Companies often get higher reviews for their services and customer service when they pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation price will be impacted by the permitting and utility interconnection fees, which change by area. Reputable local installers will integrate these numbers into your initial quotes to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Wausau?

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

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

Olson Solar Energy

Onalaska, WI(608) 780-2347

Services

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

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • 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.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

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

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

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

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

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

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

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

North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative

Amherst, WI(715) 223-0418

Services

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

DT Solar

(888) 984-6786

Services

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

Wausau, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Wausau, WI has reached $3.84/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Wausau, WI will roughly cost $13,440.
  • Wisconsin offers 12 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also financially sensible. Financing details are often provided by installers and may be included in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, solar panels systems of 5 kW in Wausau, WI typically have a payback period of 11years, with expected savings on electricity costs of $9,950.4 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01