Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakland, ME (2024 Update)

  • Oakland Solar Installation Cost: $14,502
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,835
  • Payback Period: 16.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oakland.

In Oakland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.5-kW system would cost about $14,502 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oakland find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Oakland, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Oakland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,364
3 years $-11,087
5 years $-8,811
7 years $-6,534
9 years $-4,258
11 years $-1,981
13 years $295
15 years $2,572
17 years $4,848
19 years $7,125
21 years $9,401
23 years $11,678
25 years $13,954

Top Solar Installers in Oakland

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Oakland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakland

There are many factors that can determine your solar system 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

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,800 per kilowatt in Oakland.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Oakland average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Oakland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 $3.95 $16,598 $8,312 16.7 years
8 kW $3.88 $21,706 $11,509 16.3 years
10 kW $3.80 $26,600 $14,918 16.0 years
12 kW $3.72 $31,282 $18,540 15.7 years
14 kW $3.65 $35,750 $22,375 15.4 years
16 kW $3.57 $40,006 $26,423 15.1 years
18 kW $3.50 $44,050 $30,683 14.7 years
20 kW $3.42 $47,880 $35,156 14.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • 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 your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Oakland, ME Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakland?

The average cost of solar panels in Oakland is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Oakland is currently $310,057, which means you can expect a value of about $12,712 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oakland is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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