Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakland, CA (2023 Update)
- Oakland Solar Installation Cost: $5,754
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Oakland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oakland, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Oakland, the average price of going solar will be about $5,752 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Oakland based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Oakland can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Oakland for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Oakland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,216 |
| 3 years | $-1,140 |
| 5 years | $1,936 |
| 7 years | $5,011 |
| 9 years | $8,087 |
| 11 years | $11,163 |
| 13 years | $14,239 |
| 15 years | $17,315 |
| 17 years | $20,390 |
| 19 years | $23,466 |
| 21 years | $26,542 |
| 23 years | $29,618 |
| 25 years | $32,694 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Oakland:
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 Oakland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Oakland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency 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 Oakland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Oakland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 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 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Oakland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakland?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oakland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Oakland. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,749.02 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Oakland?
On average, solar panels can last 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.