Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austin, AR (2024 Update)
- Austin Solar Installation Cost: $20,407
- 25-Year Savings: $22,628
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austin
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Austin.
In Austin, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Austin, most homeowners require a 8.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,407, or $29,182 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Austin homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Austin find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Austin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,951 |
| 3 years | $-16,039 |
| 5 years | $-13,127 |
| 7 years | $-10,214 |
| 9 years | $-7,302 |
| 11 years | $-4,390 |
| 13 years | $-1,478 |
| 15 years | $1,434 |
| 17 years | $4,346 |
| 19 years | $7,258 |
| 21 years | $10,170 |
| 23 years | $13,082 |
| 25 years | $15,995 |
Top Solar Installers in Austin
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Austin, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
See all of the solar companies in Austin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Austin
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Austin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Austin, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,490 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Austin to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.63 | $15,244 | $11,677 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.56 | $19,935 | $15,960 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.49 | $24,430 | $20,438 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.42 | $28,730 | $25,112 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.35 | $32,834 | $29,982 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.28 | $36,743 | $35,047 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.21 | $40,456 | $40,307 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.14 | $43,974 | $45,763 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
EcoWatch's Austin, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austin?
The average cost of solar panels in Austin is about $17,450 for a 5-kW system and $34,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Austin?
Solar panels aren’t free in Austin, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher amount 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.