Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austin, AR (Mar 2023)
- Austin Solar Installation Cost: $14,846
- 25-Year Savings: $22,633
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 2.54 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Austin, most homeowners require a 8.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,846, or $21,230 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Austin can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Austin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,347 |
| 3 years | $-10,349 |
| 5 years | $-7,350 |
| 7 years | $-4,352 |
| 9 years | $-1,354 |
| 11 years | $1,645 |
| 13 years | $4,643 |
| 15 years | $7,642 |
| 17 years | $10,640 |
| 19 years | $13,638 |
| 21 years | $16,637 |
| 23 years | $19,635 |
| 25 years | $22,633 |
Top Solar Installers in Austin
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Austin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Austin
The cost of installing a solar system in Austin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Austin average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Austin, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $15,826 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $21,386 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $27,088 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $32,933 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $38,919 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $45,048 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $51,319 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $57,733 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Austin, AR Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austin?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Austin?
A solar panel system isn'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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority 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 power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.