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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakdale
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Oakdale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oakdale, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 7.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs 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 be above or below the average in Oakdale depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oakdale find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
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 choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Oakdale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Oakdale to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Oakdale, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakdale?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind 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 offer 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 energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.