Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oroville, CA (2024 Update)
- Oroville Solar Installation Cost: $7,626
- 25-Year Savings: $30,821
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oroville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Oroville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oroville it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,626 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Oroville based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $32,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oroville find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Oroville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,088 |
| 3 years | $-3,013 |
| 5 years | $63 |
| 7 years | $3,139 |
| 9 years | $6,215 |
| 11 years | $9,291 |
| 13 years | $12,366 |
| 15 years | $15,442 |
| 17 years | $18,518 |
| 19 years | $21,594 |
| 21 years | $24,670 |
| 23 years | $27,745 |
| 25 years | $30,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Oroville
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Oroville:
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 Oroville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oroville
While the average cost of a solar system in Oroville is $7,626, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Oroville, 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only 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 many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Oroville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Oroville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $35,162 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,271 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,574 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,072 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,764 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,651 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,732 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,007 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as 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 Oroville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oroville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Oroville, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.