Solar Panel Cost Guide in McAlester, OK (2023 Update)
- McAlester Solar Installation Cost: $15,901
- 25-Year Savings: $25,554
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McAlester
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in McAlester.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in McAlester generally cost around 2.62. Using this figure, a typical 8.7-kW system would cost about $15,901 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average McAlester homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in McAlester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in McAlester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,664 |
| 3 years | $-12,189 |
| 5 years | $-9,714 |
| 7 years | $-7,239 |
| 9 years | $-4,764 |
| 11 years | $-2,289 |
| 13 years | $186 |
| 15 years | $2,661 |
| 17 years | $5,136 |
| 19 years | $7,611 |
| 21 years | $10,086 |
| 23 years | $12,561 |
| 25 years | $15,036 |
Top Solar Installers in McAlester
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in McAlester:
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 McAlester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McAlester
The cost of installing a solar system in McAlester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,620 per kilowatt in McAlester. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in McAlester, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in McAlester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $2.72 | $11,444 | $17,244 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.67 | $14,965 | $23,285 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.62 | $18,340 | $29,473 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.57 | $21,568 | $35,808 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.52 | $24,649 | $42,289 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.46 | $27,583 | $48,917 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.41 | $30,371 | $55,692 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.36 | $33,012 | $62,614 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 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 $13,100 for a 5-kW system and $26,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff 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 aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $956.26 per year.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.