Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak Park, CA (2023 Update)
- Oak Park Solar Installation Cost: $5,474
- 25-Year Savings: $13,295
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oak Park
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oak Park.
In Oak Park, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,465 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Oak Park depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Oak Park that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oak Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,411 |
| 3 years | $-5,286 |
| 5 years | $-5,161 |
| 7 years | $-5,036 |
| 9 years | $-4,911 |
| 11 years | $-4,786 |
| 13 years | $-4,661 |
| 15 years | $-4,535 |
| 17 years | $-4,410 |
| 19 years | $-4,285 |
| 21 years | $-4,160 |
| 23 years | $-4,035 |
| 25 years | $-3,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Oak Park
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Oak Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak Park
For many Oak Park homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oak Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Oak Park, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Oak Park have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Oak Park, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,391 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,827 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,416 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,157 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,052 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,100 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,300 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,653 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Oak Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oak Park?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Oak Park, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.