Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own power will cut power costs long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Oshkosh Homeowners?
Wisconsin homeowners who go solar could qualify for reimbursements, tax credits, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: revenue.wi.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax for eligible purchases
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: focusonenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Solar PV: Residential - $200 per kW
Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW
5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5
10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10
100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100
300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Oshkosh
The more thorough your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Consider all of these criteria in your service provider search.
Licensing and Training
For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to be a part of the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar PV systems, but either your city government or the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings may have to review building plans before you begin. Solar installers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Cost of Solar Panels in Oshkosh
The style of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.
If you're a resident of Oshkosh and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $19,400 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,085 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $846 |
| Thin-Film | $495 |
| Solar Battery | $694 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,603 |
Financing Solar Energy in Oshkosh
Choosing the right financing option will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Oshkosh.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.0 years |
| 2 kW | 4.0 years |
| 5 kW | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | 20.0 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Oshkosh
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