Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oakland, NJ (2024 Update)
- Oakland Solar Installation Cost: $11,529
- 25-Year Savings: $8,438
- Payback Period: 16.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oakland
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oakland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oakland, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,529 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Oakland homeowner can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Oakland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Oakland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,469 |
| 3 years | $-8,351 |
| 5 years | $-6,233 |
| 7 years | $-4,114 |
| 9 years | $-1,996 |
| 11 years | $123 |
| 13 years | $2,241 |
| 15 years | $4,359 |
| 17 years | $6,478 |
| 19 years | $8,596 |
| 21 years | $10,715 |
| 23 years | $12,833 |
| 25 years | $14,951 |
Top Solar Installers in Oakland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Oakland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oakland
There are a number of factors that can play into your 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,530 per kilowatt in Oakland.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Oakland have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Oakland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Oakland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $7,066 | 17.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,817 | 16.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $12,765 | 16.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $15,911 | 16.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $19,255 | 15.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $22,797 | 15.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $26,536 | 15.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $30,473 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Oakland, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oakland?
The average cost of solar panels in Oakland is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oakland?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Oakland, 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oakland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.