Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Paso, IL (2023 Update)
- El Paso Solar Installation Cost: $12,154
- 25-Year Savings: $11,272
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Paso
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in El Paso.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in El Paso it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in El Paso, the average price of going solar will be about $12,154 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in El Paso, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Paso
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,217 |
| 3 years | $-9,343 |
| 5 years | $-7,469 |
| 7 years | $-5,595 |
| 9 years | $-3,721 |
| 11 years | $-1,847 |
| 13 years | $27 |
| 15 years | $1,901 |
| 17 years | $3,775 |
| 19 years | $5,649 |
| 21 years | $7,523 |
| 23 years | $9,398 |
| 25 years | $11,272 |
Top Solar Installers in El Paso
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in El Paso:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 El Paso
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Paso
The cost of installing a solar system in El Paso can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like El Paso, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in El Paso provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in El Paso is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in El Paso have more knowledge 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 end up saving you 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $10,159 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $13,852 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $17,697 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $21,695 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $25,846 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $30,150 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $34,606 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $39,216 | 11.7 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's El Paso, IL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Paso?
The average cost of solar panels in El Paso is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout El Paso, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.