Solar Panel Cost Guide in McAlester, OK (2024 Update)

  • McAlester Solar Installation Cost: $18,997
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,941
  • Payback Period: 11.5 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 McAlester

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in McAlester.

The average cost of solar panels in McAlester is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.7-kW system would cost about $18,997 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in McAlester depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in McAlester see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in McAlester for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in McAlester

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,759
3 years $-15,284
5 years $-12,809
7 years $-10,334
9 years $-7,859
11 years $-5,384
13 years $-2,909
15 years $-434
17 years $2,041
19 years $4,516
21 years $6,991
23 years $9,466
25 years $11,941

Top Solar Installers in McAlester

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 McAlester

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McAlester

There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,130.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like McAlester, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for McAlester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. McAlester’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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’re looking for 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 $3.26 $13,672 $15,016 11.9 years
8 kW $3.19 $17,879 $20,372 11.7 years
10 kW $3.13 $21,910 $25,903 11.5 years
12 kW $3.07 $25,766 $31,609 11.2 years
14 kW $3.00 $29,447 $37,491 11.0 years
16 kW $2.94 $32,953 $43,548 10.8 years
18 kW $2.88 $36,283 $49,780 10.5 years
20 kW $2.82 $39,438 $56,188 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.

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 McAlester, OK Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in McAlester?

The average cost of solar panels in McAlester is about $15,650 for a 5-kW system and $31,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in McAlester?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Is it worth going solar in McAlester?

Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in McAlester?

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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.

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