Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownsville, FL (2024 Update)
- Brownsville Solar Installation Cost: $12,050
- 25-Year Savings: $19,661
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownsville
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Brownsville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Brownsville, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Brownsville homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,050 with the federal tax credit, or $17,232 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Brownsville homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brownsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,677 |
| 3 years | $-7,929 |
| 5 years | $-5,182 |
| 7 years | $-2,435 |
| 9 years | $312 |
| 11 years | $3,060 |
| 13 years | $5,807 |
| 15 years | $8,554 |
| 17 years | $11,301 |
| 19 years | $14,049 |
| 21 years | $16,796 |
| 23 years | $19,543 |
| 25 years | $22,290 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownsville
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Brownsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownsville
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Brownsville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Brownsville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $18,602 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,162 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $31,902 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $38,821 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $45,921 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,200 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,659 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,298 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Brownsville, FL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownsville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.