Solar Panel Cost Guide in Onalaska, WI (2023 Update)
- Onalaska Solar Installation Cost: $13,494
- 25-Year Savings: $23,167
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Onalaska
We go over average solar pricing in Onalaska.
In Onalaska, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Onalaska, the average price of going solar will be about $13,486 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Onalaska homeowner. The price 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 ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Onalaska for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Onalaska
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,372 |
| 3 years | $-13,127 |
| 5 years | $-12,883 |
| 7 years | $-12,639 |
| 9 years | $-12,394 |
| 11 years | $-12,150 |
| 13 years | $-11,905 |
| 15 years | $-11,661 |
| 17 years | $-11,417 |
| 19 years | $-11,172 |
| 21 years | $-10,928 |
| 23 years | $-10,683 |
| 25 years | $-10,439 |
Top Solar Installers in Onalaska
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar company 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 Onalaska
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Onalaska
Though the average cost of a solar system in Onalaska is $13,486, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,600. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Onalaska to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Onalaska?
Solar panels aren't free in Onalaska, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Onalaska is currently $173,469, which means you can look forward to a value of about $7,112 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Onalaska is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.