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

  • Onalaska Solar Installation Cost: $20,137
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,469
  • Payback Period: 13.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Onalaska

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

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Onalaska, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Onalaska is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,137 for a solar installation, or $28,796 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Onalaska can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Onalaska that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Onalaska

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-19,033
3 years $-16,824
5 years $-14,616
7 years $-12,407
9 years $-10,199
11 years $-7,990
13 years $-5,782
15 years $-3,573
17 years $-1,365
19 years $844
21 years $3,052
23 years $5,261
25 years $7,469

Top Solar Installers in Onalaska

Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Onalaska: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,880. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Onalaska provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Onalaska, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. 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 generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.04 $16,948 $12,719 14.3 years
8 kW $3.96 $22,163 $17,394 14.0 years
10 kW $3.88 $27,160 $22,286 13.7 years
12 kW $3.80 $31,940 $27,395 13.5 years
14 kW $3.72 $36,503 $32,721 13.2 years
16 kW $3.65 $40,849 $38,264 12.9 years
18 kW $3.57 $44,977 $44,025 12.6 years
20 kW $3.49 $48,888 $50,003 12.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Onalaska, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

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

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Onalaska?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.

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