Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakdale, MN (2024 Update)
- Oakdale Solar Installation Cost: $20,370
- 25-Year Savings: $22,271
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakdale
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Oakdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oakdale it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Oakdale, the average price of going solar will be about $20,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Oakdale based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Oakdale can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,090 |
| 3 years | $-16,531 |
| 5 years | $-13,973 |
| 7 years | $-11,414 |
| 9 years | $-8,855 |
| 11 years | $-6,296 |
| 13 years | $-3,737 |
| 15 years | $-1,178 |
| 17 years | $1,381 |
| 19 years | $3,940 |
| 21 years | $6,499 |
| 23 years | $9,058 |
| 25 years | $11,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakdale
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Oakdale, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Oakdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,030. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Oakdale, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Oakdale, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.19 | $17,603 | $12,830 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.11 | $23,019 | $17,558 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.03 | $28,210 | $22,512 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.95 | $33,175 | $27,692 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.87 | $37,914 | $33,097 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.79 | $42,428 | $38,728 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.71 | $46,716 | $44,584 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.63 | $50,778 | $50,666 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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, MN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakdale?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,150 for a 5-kW system and $40,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Oakdale?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need 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.