Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakdale, LA (2023 Update)
- Oakdale Solar Installation Cost: $17,828
- 25-Year Savings: $31,510
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakdale
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Oakdale.
The average cost of a solar system in Oakdale is 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Oakdale is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,828 for a solar installation, or $25,494 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Oakdale based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Oakdale homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,855 |
| 3 years | $-11,908 |
| 5 years | $-7,961 |
| 7 years | $-4,014 |
| 9 years | $-66 |
| 11 years | $3,881 |
| 13 years | $7,828 |
| 15 years | $11,775 |
| 17 years | $15,722 |
| 19 years | $19,669 |
| 21 years | $23,616 |
| 23 years | $27,563 |
| 25 years | $31,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakdale
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Oakdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakdale
For many Oakdale homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oakdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable 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. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Oakdale, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $18,642 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $25,143 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $31,789 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $38,579 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $45,512 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $52,590 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $59,811 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $67,176 | 8.1 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Oakdale, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakdale is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Oakdale?
A solar panel system isn't free in Oakdale, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.