Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakdale, CA (Mar 2023)
- Oakdale Solar Installation Cost: $5,714
- 25-Year Savings: $20,526
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakdale
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Oakdale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oakdale, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,714 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Oakdale depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Oakdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,664 |
| 3 years | $-2,565 |
| 5 years | $-466 |
| 7 years | $1,633 |
| 9 years | $3,733 |
| 11 years | $5,832 |
| 13 years | $7,931 |
| 15 years | $10,030 |
| 17 years | $12,129 |
| 19 years | $14,229 |
| 21 years | $16,328 |
| 23 years | $18,427 |
| 25 years | $20,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakdale
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Oakdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakdale
For many Oakdale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oakdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Oakdale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Oakdale average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oakdale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Oakdale, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk 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 promotion 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 | $40,767 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,662 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,709 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,910 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $97,263 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,769 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $126,429 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $141,241 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Oakdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Oakdale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakdale is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oakdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.