Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tahlequah, OK (Mar 2023)
- Tahlequah Solar Installation Cost: $16,158
- 25-Year Savings: $23,299
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tahlequah
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Tahlequah.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tahlequah typically cost around 2.62. The average solar panel system size in Tahlequah is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,158 for a solar installation, or $23,106 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Tahlequah homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tahlequah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,579 |
| 3 years | $-11,423 |
| 5 years | $-8,266 |
| 7 years | $-5,110 |
| 9 years | $-1,953 |
| 11 years | $1,203 |
| 13 years | $4,360 |
| 15 years | $7,516 |
| 17 years | $10,673 |
| 19 years | $13,829 |
| 21 years | $16,986 |
| 23 years | $20,142 |
| 25 years | $23,299 |
Top Solar Installers in Tahlequah
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Tahlequah, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Tahlequah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tahlequah
There are many factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Tahlequah, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,620 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Tahlequah offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Tahlequah, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.72 | $11,444 | $15,420 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.67 | $14,965 | $20,854 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.62 | $18,340 | $26,434 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.57 | $21,568 | $32,161 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.52 | $24,649 | $38,035 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.46 | $27,583 | $44,055 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.41 | $30,371 | $50,222 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.36 | $33,012 | $56,536 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While 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 peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Tahlequah, OK Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tahlequah?
The average cost of solar panels in Tahlequah is about $13,100 for a 5-kW system and $26,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tahlequah?
Solar panels aren't free in Tahlequah, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Tahlequah?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.