Solar Panels Cost 2.6k-13k in Oshkosh, WI | November, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Oshkosh, WI | November, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Oshkosh, WI in 2024?

It is approximately $3.76/W in November, 2024 in Oshkosh, WI to go solar.

This means that, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,760 to get your system installed in . In Oshkosh, after receiving the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW solar system will cost you $13,160. Please note that a more powerful system may be essential to meet your energy demands.

On the left, you can select your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels on houses in your area. The following outline, below, highlights the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Oshkosh: $13,160US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Oshkosh: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Oshkosh: $4,451US Average: $16,169

Solar Potential in Oshkosh

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Oshkosh.

Roof size 608sq. ft.
Capacity 8.5kW DC
Electricity 9.5kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Oshkosh, WI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The average monthly electric bill for Oshkosh residents is $96.88, with an average usage of 592 kWh. Consider that this statistic includes smaller residences including apartments, known for less energy use.

For November 2024, Oshkosh, WI's average electricity rate is 16.37¢ per kWh.

Average electricity users in Oshkosh may require a solar power system of 5 kW or more to meet their full electricity consumption needs. At this time, a 5 kW solar installation will initially set you back around $18,800, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $13,160.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Oshkosh

On the left side, you'll see a detailed price breakdown of the various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Oshkosh. The investment for a larger solar panel setup is higher, but it also yields higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel cost and benefit breakdown, visible in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $96.88 in Oshkosh. Simply replace the $96.88 with your usual electricity bill amount to see more specific results.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $229 a year
Est. Price
$2,632
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,429 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $19
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.14 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 52 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,824 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $457 a year
Est. Price
$5,264
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,859 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $38
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.28 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 105 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,648 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $686 a year
Est. Price
$7,896
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $57
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.42 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 157 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,472 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $915 a year
Est. Price
$10,528
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,718 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $76
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.56 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 210 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 11,296 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,144 a year
Est. Price
$13,160
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,147 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.7 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 262 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 14,120 mi less a year

Oshkosh Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Unsure if you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm.

Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for setting up residential solar panels, which makes solar power a sensible option in much of the country. A multitude of state and local programs are offered to encourage the use of solar energy.

There are 12 solar rebate and incentive initiatives currently offered in Wisconsin by multiple utilities and government bodies.

Solar incentives in WI

Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program

Value:Up to $500,000

Through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, nonprofits and public-sector agencies may receive grants to fund large-scale renewable energy investments. The current grant amount is variable per kilowatt hour for power generation or per kBTU for thermal systems. There are two requests for proposals (RFPs) opened annually. Organizations must include the technical specifications for their planned equipment, estimated energy/cost savings, and a suggested funding amount based on rate schedule guidelines. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Design Assistance Program

Value:Up to $0.15

Through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, architects, building engineers, contractors, and property owners may be incentivized for meeting green construction standards. Qualifying projects include walls, lighting, windows/doors, insulation/weatherization, HVAC, water heating, and new renewable energy equipment. Awards are paid on a per-property basis; any home, business, or industrial facility may qualify. The current rebate amount is based on energy efficiency at a rate per kilowatt hour saved. Builders will receive a rebate during construction; property owners will receive their smaller rebate after construction is complete.

Renewable Rewards Program

Value:Up to $1,000

Wisconsin homeowners may be eligible for rebates on new solar PV/thermal and geothermal devices. For solar panels, the current rebate stands at $500 per array. Business customers are eligible for similar incentives but will be paid a capacity-based rebate. The maximum possible rebate is currently $1,000 for homes and $50,000 for businesses. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions

Value:Varies

Wisconsin sales/use tax exemptions apply to biofuel for residential energy production. Qualifying purchases include some agricultural crops, landfill gas, pellets, and wood chips/pellets/sawdust. Components used to store biofuels are not eligible for the exemption. Interested customers should submit a completed form S-211 to their retailer, who will apply for the exemption and offer a discount. Additional information and the necessary paperwork are available from the state Department of Revenue.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In Wisconsin, all private and local public electrical utilities are required to offer net metering to their interconnected renewable customers up to a maximum quota. Cooperatives may participate in net metering, but they are not required to offer it. Any system up to 300 kW is eligible. Upon entering a net metering contract, the customer's utility will install a bidirectional meter to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive either monthly or annual bill credits for the NEG they export at a fixed, avoided-cost rate. Fees and capacity limits may apply. The Public Service Commission reserves the right to alter any net metering or energy tariff program.

Renewable Portfolio Standard

Value:Varies

Wisconsin first established a renewable portfolio standard in 1999. Initial goals required at least 10% of the state's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology. New specific goals have never been implemented, but utilities are nonetheless obligated to increase their renewable energy activities at a rate of 6% per year. Carve-out provisions apply to keep most renewable investments within state lines. Compliance is measured using renewable energy credit (REC) and renewable resource credit (RRC) systems pegging one megawatt hour of electricity to a fluctuating dollar value. Utilities may generate credits through the use of their own renewable installations or purchase them through tariff arrangements and power purchase agreements. Each credit expires after four years of use.

Focus on Energy - Business & Marketing Grant

Value:Varies

Focus on Energy grant funding is available for Wisconsin businesses making new renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. The maximum available grant is $10,000 to fund half of project costs. Eligible projects include new solar, wind, or biomass energy systems not involved in academic or corporate research and development. Grants may also support professional training and marketing initiatives. To apply, the business should be located in a participating utility's service area and submit a successful proposal. Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Energy Innovation Grant Program

Value:Varies

Wisconsin Energy Innovation grants are available to local governments, public schools, and manufacturing businesses making renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. The Public Service Commission keeps an annual grant budget of roughly $5 million to award in proportion. Grants can fund new generation/energy storage equipment, sustainable transportation, and engineering reviews/project studies. Application periods, known as requests for proposals, are opened annually. Additional information is available on the Public Service Commission's website.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Distributed generation and grid interconnection practices have been standardized in Wisconsin since 2004. Each new solar, wind, or other renewable energy system is sorted into one of four regulatory "categories" based on capacity. Category 1 ends at 20 kW, Category 2 at 200 kW, and Category 3 at one megawatt. The category of a system will determine the UL/IEEE standards it must follow and the rigor of its permitting process, including application fees and review turnaround time. The state requires all system owners, even of Category 1 systems, to hold minimum liability insurance coverage of more than $300,000 per occurrence. Utilities may further require the installation of external disconnect switches, but may not charge additional fees or require additional regulatory reviews beyond what is necessary. Additional information is available from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.

Public Benefits Fund

Value:Varies

In 1999, the Wisconsin legislature first established a public benefits fund for renewable energy and energy efficiency among low-income residents. The fund's day-to-day business is managed by a public/private partnership between Focus on Energy and the Department of Administration. Current fund initiatives support incentives, loans, and grants to home and business owners. Funding is sourced through both consumer surcharges and mandatory utility "buy-ins." Additional information is available from the Focus on Energy website.

Energy Efficiency and Green Building Standards for State Buildings

Value:Varies

Public buildings in Wisconsin are subject to sustainability and green construction standards set by the state's Department of Administration. Standards apply to new and existing buildings. New buildings must demonstrate energy efficiency of at least 30% above the state's commercial building codes, themselves based on LEED standards. Remodeling projects in existing facilities should procure only those building materials and appliances which have earned ENERGY STAR certification or which meet EPA/ASHRAE standards. Additional information, including compliance reports, is available from the Department of Administration.

Focus on Energy Program

Value:Varies

Wisconsin Focus on Energy (FoE) is a public benefits fund providing a central management infrastructure for energy efficiency and renewable energy incentive and financing programs. Utilities may tap from the fund to support loans, grants, rebates, and educational initiatives. Funding is supported through customer surcharges and mandatory utility "buy-ins." Additional information is available from the FoE website.

Are solar panels worth it in Wisconsin?

If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Oshkosh. With a 5 kW solar system in Oshkosh, WI, the average savings over a 20 period is $10,091.2, with break even usually occurring at 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Oshkosh, WI

In addition to missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not installing solar panels or a different backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. As demonstrated by recent news, full reliance on your utility is not always the best option.

Yearly, customers in Oshkosh face approximately 0.67 outages each year. On average, each outage lasts for 76.75 minutes. Major events like vandalism, aging infrastructure or wildfires can considerably extend these durations.

A solar panel system could alleviate the burden of future outages, even if it is without a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Winnebago County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Oshkosh, WI?

Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can replace their electric bill is highly beneficial. This approach ensures increased savings.

Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. Since the contractor might have particular system preferences, it's essential to select a reputable company. For consumers desiring a more favorable long-term experience, investing in higher quality equipment is important.

Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price, but they generate more energy. Many solar panel installers opt for this type of material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, sloping terrain, or additional hindrances can make the installation more challenging. Most solar installers today utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and integrate these considerations into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wages that various companies offer their employees are different, and these costs are passed on to the consumers. It is common for companies that offer higher wages to garner better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by different local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other WI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Oshkosh?

All Energy Solar

St. Paul, MN(800) 620-3370

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Micrometer Engineering

Scottsdale, AZ(602) 790-5749

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Eagle Point Solar

Dubuque, IA(563) 582-4044

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Palmetto Solar

Charleston, SC(855) 339-1831

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Silver Sun Solar

Deltona, FL(407) 832-42452

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

ConEdison Solutions

Valhalla CDP, NY(914) 286-7000

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Bright Skies

Pleasant Grove, UT(608) 293-1163

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of batteries.

Appleton Solar

Appleton, WI(920) 470-6393

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Harvest Solar

Jackson, MI(888) 907-6527

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Olson Solar Energy

Onalaska, WI(608) 780-2347

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

GRNE Solar

Palatine, IL(312) 859-3417

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Ideal Energy

Fairfield, IA(800) 634-4454

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

City Electric Supply

Dallas, TX(866) 634-9853

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative

Amherst, WI(715) 223-0418

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

DT Solar

(888) 984-6786

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Oshkosh, WI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Oshkosh, WI as of November, 2024 is estimated at $3.76/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Oshkosh, WI drops to roughly $13,160.
  • If you live in Wisconsin, you can find 12 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Paying cash will ensure the most savings, but currently there are several options for financing solar panels that are cost-effective as well. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will detail this information in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Oshkosh, WI pay for themselves in 11 years, with homeowners saving approximately $10,091.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-11-05