Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lockhart, FL (2024 Update)
- Lockhart Solar Installation Cost: $12,301
- 25-Year Savings: $21,534
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lockhart
We go over average solar pricing in Lockhart.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Lockhart it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lockhart is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,301 for a solar installation, or $17,590 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Lockhart homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Lockhart, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lockhart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,526 |
| 3 years | $-6,977 |
| 5 years | $-3,427 |
| 7 years | $122 |
| 9 years | $3,672 |
| 11 years | $7,222 |
| 13 years | $10,771 |
| 15 years | $14,321 |
| 17 years | $17,870 |
| 19 years | $21,420 |
| 21 years | $24,969 |
| 23 years | $28,519 |
| 25 years | $32,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Lockhart
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Lockhart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lockhart
The cost of installing a solar system in Lockhart can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Lockhart, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Lockhart homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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’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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lockhart is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $20,206 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,301 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,576 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $42,030 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $49,664 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,478 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $65,472 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $73,645 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Lockhart, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lockhart?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lockhart?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lockhart, 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 Lockhart?
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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.