Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakland, FL (2023 Update)
- Oakland Solar Installation Cost: $9,695
- 25-Year Savings: $22,123
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Oakland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oakland it's 2.53 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Oakland is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,687 for a solar installation, or $13,852 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,920 |
| 3 years | $-4,371 |
| 5 years | $-821 |
| 7 years | $2,728 |
| 9 years | $6,278 |
| 11 years | $9,827 |
| 13 years | $13,377 |
| 15 years | $16,927 |
| 17 years | $20,476 |
| 19 years | $24,026 |
| 21 years | $27,575 |
| 23 years | $31,125 |
| 25 years | $34,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakland
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
There are several criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Oakland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Oakland is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.63 | $11,051 | $23,822 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $32,046 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $40,412 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $48,919 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $57,568 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $66,359 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $75,292 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $84,366 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakland?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakland is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oakland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Oakland have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 how much 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 get 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.