Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oskaloosa, IA (2023 Update)
- Oskaloosa Solar Installation Cost: $18,540
- 25-Year Savings: $28,545
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oskaloosa
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Oskaloosa.
The average cost of a solar system in Oskaloosa is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Oskaloosa is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,537 for a solar installation, or $26,508 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Oskaloosa for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Oskaloosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,824 |
| 3 years | $-13,391 |
| 5 years | $-9,958 |
| 7 years | $-6,525 |
| 9 years | $-3,092 |
| 11 years | $341 |
| 13 years | $3,774 |
| 15 years | $7,207 |
| 17 years | $10,640 |
| 19 years | $14,073 |
| 21 years | $17,506 |
| 23 years | $20,939 |
| 25 years | $24,372 |
Top Solar Installers in Oskaloosa
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Oskaloosa, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Oskaloosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oskaloosa
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Oskaloosa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Oskaloosa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Oskaloosa, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Oskaloosa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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
EcoWatch's Oskaloosa, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oskaloosa?
The average cost of solar panels in Oskaloosa is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Oskaloosa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Oskaloosa. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Oskaloosa?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.