Solar Panel Cost Guide in Onalaska, WI (2023 Update)
- Onalaska Solar Installation Cost: $13,486
- 25-Year Savings: $23,175
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Onalaska
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Onalaska.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Onalaska it's 2.6 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,486 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Onalaska
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,020 |
| 3 years | $-9,087 |
| 5 years | $-6,154 |
| 7 years | $-3,221 |
| 9 years | $-288 |
| 11 years | $2,645 |
| 13 years | $5,577 |
| 15 years | $8,510 |
| 17 years | $11,443 |
| 19 years | $14,376 |
| 21 years | $17,309 |
| 23 years | $20,242 |
| 25 years | $23,175 |
Top Solar Installers in Onalaska
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Onalaska
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Onalaska
There are many criteria that can influence 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need 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 $2,600. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Onalaska, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Onalaska, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,311 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,705 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,246 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,931 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,763 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,740 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,863 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,131 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Onalaska, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Onalaska?
The average cost of solar panels in Onalaska is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Onalaska?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Onalaska?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.