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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 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.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Oakley, the average price of going solar will be about $7,395 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Oakley depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Oakley can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, 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

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Oakley:

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Oakley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakley

For many Oakley homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Oakley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Oakley, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Oakley know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $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

There are numerous companies available in Oakley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Oakley, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install 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 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 consume.

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 it worth going solar in Oakley?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Oakley?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.

Follow us