Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oshkosh, WI (2023 Update)
- Oshkosh Solar Installation Cost: $13,094
- 25-Year Savings: $22,736
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oshkosh
We break down average solar pricing in Oshkosh.
The average cost of solar panels in Oshkosh is 2.6 per watt. Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Oshkosh, the average price of going solar will be about $13,086 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Oshkosh depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Oshkosh can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oshkosh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,975 |
| 3 years | $-12,736 |
| 5 years | $-12,497 |
| 7 years | $-12,258 |
| 9 years | $-12,020 |
| 11 years | $-11,781 |
| 13 years | $-11,542 |
| 15 years | $-11,303 |
| 17 years | $-11,064 |
| 19 years | $-10,825 |
| 21 years | $-10,586 |
| 23 years | $-10,348 |
| 25 years | $-10,109 |
Top Solar Installers in Oshkosh
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable 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 company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Oshkosh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oshkosh
The cost of installing a solar system in Oshkosh can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 with better efficiency or power production require 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Oshkosh average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Oshkosh, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Oshkosh, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,523 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,989 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,600 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $38,357 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $45,259 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $52,307 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $59,500 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,840 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Oshkosh, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oshkosh?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $996.00 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.