Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oskaloosa, IA (2024 Update)
- Oskaloosa Solar Installation Cost: $26,840
- 25-Year Savings: $28,545
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oskaloosa
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oskaloosa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oskaloosa it’s 4 per watt.The average Oskaloosa homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,840 with the federal tax credit, or $38,381 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Oskaloosa homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oskaloosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,123 |
| 3 years | $-21,690 |
| 5 years | $-18,257 |
| 7 years | $-14,824 |
| 9 years | $-11,391 |
| 11 years | $-7,958 |
| 13 years | $-4,525 |
| 15 years | $-1,092 |
| 17 years | $2,341 |
| 19 years | $5,774 |
| 21 years | $9,207 |
| 23 years | $12,640 |
| 25 years | $16,073 |
Top Solar Installers in Oskaloosa
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
There are a number of factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only 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 power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Oskaloosa homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $12,030 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $16,490 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $21,173 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $26,082 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $31,215 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $36,572 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $42,154 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $47,961 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oskaloosa?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oskaloosa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.