Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oskaloosa, IA (Mar 2023)
- Oskaloosa Solar Installation Cost: $18,537
- 25-Year Savings: $28,549
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oskaloosa
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oskaloosa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oskaloosa generally cost about 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $18,537 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oskaloosa find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Oskaloosa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oskaloosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,653 |
| 3 years | $-12,887 |
| 5 years | $-9,120 |
| 7 years | $-5,353 |
| 9 years | $-1,586 |
| 11 years | $2,181 |
| 13 years | $5,948 |
| 15 years | $9,714 |
| 17 years | $13,481 |
| 19 years | $17,248 |
| 21 years | $21,015 |
| 23 years | $24,782 |
| 25 years | $28,549 |
Top Solar Installers in Oskaloosa
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Oskaloosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oskaloosa
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Oskaloosa. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oskaloosa homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact the cost. Oskaloosa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $17,447 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $23,572 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $29,853 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $36,289 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $42,881 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $49,627 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $56,528 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $63,585 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Oskaloosa, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oskaloosa?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $984.87 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.