Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oildale, CA (Mar 2023)
- Oildale Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $17,008
- Payback Period: 6.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oildale
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Oildale.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oildale generally cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Oildale, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,542, or $7,925 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Oildale based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Oildale homeowner can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Oildale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,640 |
| 3 years | $-2,836 |
| 5 years | $-1,032 |
| 7 years | $772 |
| 9 years | $2,576 |
| 11 years | $4,380 |
| 13 years | $6,184 |
| 15 years | $7,988 |
| 17 years | $9,792 |
| 19 years | $11,596 |
| 21 years | $13,400 |
| 23 years | $15,204 |
| 25 years | $17,008 |
Top Solar Installers in Oildale
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. 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 over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Oildale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oildale
Although the average cost of a solar system in Oildale is $5,542, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oildale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $34,776 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,674 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,724 | 6.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,928 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $83,284 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,793 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,456 | 5.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $121,271 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Oildale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Oildale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oildale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oildale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.