Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oskaloosa, IA (2025 Update)
- Oskaloosa Solar Installation Cost: $26,840
- 25-Year Savings: $28,545
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oskaloosa
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oskaloosa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oskaloosa typically cost around 4.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.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Oskaloosa see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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 it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Oskaloosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oskaloosa
The cost of installing a solar system in Oskaloosa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,010.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Oskaloosa, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Oskaloosa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
EcoWatch's Oskaloosa, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oskaloosa?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional 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 less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oskaloosa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.