Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oconto, WI (2023 Update)
- Oconto Solar Installation Cost: $13,088
- 25-Year Savings: $24,142
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oconto
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Oconto.
The average cost of solar panels in Oconto is 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Oconto, the average price of going solar will be about $13,086 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Oconto homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Oconto for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oconto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,964 |
| 3 years | $-12,716 |
| 5 years | $-12,468 |
| 7 years | $-12,219 |
| 9 years | $-11,971 |
| 11 years | $-11,723 |
| 13 years | $-11,475 |
| 15 years | $-11,227 |
| 17 years | $-10,978 |
| 19 years | $-10,730 |
| 21 years | $-10,482 |
| 23 years | $-10,234 |
| 25 years | $-9,986 |
Top Solar Installers in Oconto
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Oconto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oconto
Although the average cost of a solar system in Oconto is $13,086, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Oconto, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Oconto, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oconto to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. 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 can only 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Oconto, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Oconto know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $19,706 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,566 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $33,571 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $40,722 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $48,019 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $55,461 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $63,049 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $70,783 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Oconto, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oconto?
The average cost of solar panels in Oconto is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oconto?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oconto, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.