Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakley, CA (2024 Update)
- Oakley Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakley
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Oakley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oakley, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Oakley homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the large initial cost, the average Oakley homeowner can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Oakley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oakley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,857 |
| 3 years | $-2,781 |
| 5 years | $295 |
| 7 years | $3,371 |
| 9 years | $6,446 |
| 11 years | $9,522 |
| 13 years | $12,598 |
| 15 years | $15,674 |
| 17 years | $18,750 |
| 19 years | $21,825 |
| 21 years | $24,901 |
| 23 years | $27,977 |
| 25 years | $31,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakley
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Oakley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakley
While the average cost of a solar system in Oakley is $7,395, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Oakley homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Oakley is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,738 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,373 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,202 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,225 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,443 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,855 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,461 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,262 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Oakley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oakley?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakley is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Oakley?
Solar panels aren’t free in Oakley, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
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 electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Oakley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.