Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakdale, MN (2023 Update)
- Oakdale Solar Installation Cost: $14,355
- 25-Year Savings: $22,271
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oakdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Oakdale is 2.84 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Oakdale is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,353 for a solar installation, or $20,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Oakdale depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oakdale find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Oakdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,075 |
| 3 years | $-10,517 |
| 5 years | $-7,958 |
| 7 years | $-5,399 |
| 9 years | $-2,840 |
| 11 years | $-281 |
| 13 years | $2,278 |
| 15 years | $4,837 |
| 17 years | $7,396 |
| 19 years | $9,955 |
| 21 years | $12,514 |
| 23 years | $15,072 |
| 25 years | $17,631 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakdale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
For many Oakdale homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on 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 various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Oakdale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Oakdale homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oakdale is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Oakdale have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $18,028 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $24,356 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $30,842 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $37,488 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $44,292 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $51,256 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $58,379 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $65,660 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakdale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oakdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oakdale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Oakdale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.