Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oshkosh, WI (2024 Update)

  • Oshkosh Solar Installation Cost: $19,541
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,736
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oshkosh

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oshkosh.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oshkosh typically cost about 4.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Oshkosh, the average price of going solar will be about $19,541 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Oshkosh homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oshkosh

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-18,413
3 years$-16,156
5 years$-13,900
7 years$-11,644
9 years$-9,388
11 years$-7,131
13 years$-4,875
15 years$-2,619
17 years$-362
19 years$1,894
21 years$4,150
23 years$6,407
25 years$8,663

Top Solar Installers in Oshkosh

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Oshkosh

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oshkosh

There are a number of factors that can determine your 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Oshkosh average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oshkosh to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Oshkosh, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.04$16,948$12,93214.2 years
8 kW$3.96$22,163$17,67713.9 years
10 kW$3.88$27,160$22,64013.6 years
12 kW$3.80$31,940$27,82013.4 years
14 kW$3.72$36,503$33,21713.1 years
16 kW$3.65$40,849$38,83112.8 years
18 kW$3.57$44,977$44,66312.5 years
20 kW$3.49$48,888$50,71212.3 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Oshkosh, WI Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oshkosh?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Oshkosh?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Oshkosh. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Oshkosh?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

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.

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.