Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oshkosh, WI (2023 Update)
- Oshkosh Solar Installation Cost: $13,086
- 25-Year Savings: $22,744
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oshkosh
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oshkosh.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oshkosh, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. The average Oshkosh homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,086 with the federal tax credit, or $18,713 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Oshkosh based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Oshkosh homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Oshkosh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,653 |
| 3 years | $-8,786 |
| 5 years | $-5,920 |
| 7 years | $-3,053 |
| 9 years | $-187 |
| 11 years | $2,679 |
| 13 years | $5,546 |
| 15 years | $8,412 |
| 17 years | $11,279 |
| 19 years | $14,145 |
| 21 years | $17,011 |
| 23 years | $19,878 |
| 25 years | $22,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Oshkosh
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Oshkosh, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. 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 often come at a higher price 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. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oshkosh is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- 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 secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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.