Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakland, CA (2024 Update)
- Oakland Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Oakland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oakland it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Oakland is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,314 for a solar installation, or $10,459 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Oakland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oakland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-2,700 |
| 5 years | $376 |
| 7 years | $3,452 |
| 9 years | $6,528 |
| 11 years | $9,603 |
| 13 years | $12,679 |
| 15 years | $15,755 |
| 17 years | $18,831 |
| 19 years | $21,907 |
| 21 years | $24,982 |
| 23 years | $28,058 |
| 25 years | $31,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakland
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Oakland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Oakland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Oakland, 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 power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oakland to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower 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 Oakland, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Oakland have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $37,313 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,140 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,161 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,376 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,785 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,389 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,187 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,180 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Oakland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakland?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Oakland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 the average daily 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.