Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakland, WI (2023 Update)
- Oakland Solar Installation Cost: $13,250
- 25-Year Savings: $24,340
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Oakland.
In Oakland, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Oakland, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,250, or $18,948 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Oakland find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Oakland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,746 |
| 3 years | $-8,739 |
| 5 years | $-5,732 |
| 7 years | $-2,724 |
| 9 years | $283 |
| 11 years | $3,290 |
| 13 years | $6,297 |
| 15 years | $9,304 |
| 17 years | $12,311 |
| 19 years | $15,319 |
| 21 years | $18,326 |
| 23 years | $21,333 |
| 25 years | $24,340 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakland
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Oakland, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in Oakland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakland
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Oakland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Oakland, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Oakland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Oakland know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $19,624 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $26,457 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $33,435 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $40,559 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $47,828 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $55,244 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $62,804 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $70,510 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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
EcoWatch's Oakland, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakland?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakland is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Oakland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Oakland is currently $199,966, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,199 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Oakland is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Oakland?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.