Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oak View, CA (2024 Update)

  • Oak View Solar Installation Cost: $6,958
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,295
  • Payback Period: 9.3 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 Oak View

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Oak View.

In Oak View, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Oak View, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,958, or $9,950 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Oak View can save about $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oak View

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,773
3 years $-3,403
5 years $-1,034
7 years $1,336
9 years $3,705
11 years $6,075
13 years $8,444
15 years $10,814
17 years $13,183
19 years $15,553
21 years $17,922
23 years $20,292
25 years $22,661

Top Solar Installers in Oak View

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're searching for a solar company in Oak View, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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

See all of the solar companies in Oak View

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oak View

The cost of installing a solar system in Oak View can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Oak View, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Oak View, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 lower 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 $3.61 $15,157 $24,158 9.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $32,600 9.5 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $41,236 9.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $50,066 9.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $59,090 8.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $68,309 8.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $77,722 8.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $87,329 8.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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

EcoWatch's Oak View, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oak View?

The average cost of solar panels in Oak View is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Oak View?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Oak View, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Oak View have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.

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