Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oroville, CA (2023 Update)
- Oroville Solar Installation Cost: $6,001
- 25-Year Savings: $20,330
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oroville
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Oroville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oroville it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Oroville, the average price of going solar will be about $6,001 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Oroville can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Oroville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oroville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,947 |
| 3 years | $-2,841 |
| 5 years | $-734 |
| 7 years | $1,372 |
| 9 years | $3,479 |
| 11 years | $5,585 |
| 13 years | $7,692 |
| 15 years | $9,798 |
| 17 years | $11,905 |
| 19 years | $14,011 |
| 21 years | $16,118 |
| 23 years | $18,224 |
| 25 years | $20,330 |
Top Solar Installers in Oroville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're looking for a solar company in Oroville, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Oroville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oroville
For many Oroville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oroville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Oroville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oroville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Oroville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,394 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,498 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,754 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,164 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,726 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,441 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,310 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,331 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for 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 take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page 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: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Oroville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oroville?
The average cost of solar panels in Oroville 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oroville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly 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% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.