Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austin, IN (Mar 2023)
- Austin Solar Installation Cost: $16,209
- 25-Year Savings: $23,312
- Payback Period: 10.3 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 panels are in Austin.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Austin typically cost around 2.68. The average solar panel system size in Austin is around 8.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,209 for a solar installation, or $23,179 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Austin depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Austin find going solar has a decent ROI.
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 | $-14,628 |
| 3 years | $-11,466 |
| 5 years | $-8,304 |
| 7 years | $-5,143 |
| 9 years | $-1,981 |
| 11 years | $1,181 |
| 13 years | $4,342 |
| 15 years | $7,504 |
| 17 years | $10,666 |
| 19 years | $13,827 |
| 21 years | $16,989 |
| 23 years | $20,151 |
| 25 years | $23,312 |
Top Solar Installers in Austin
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Austin:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,680 per kilowatt in Austin. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Austin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Austin is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $15,747 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $21,296 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $26,995 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $32,844 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $38,843 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $44,993 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $51,292 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $57,742 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austin?
The average cost of solar panels in Austin is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Austin?
You can't get solar panels for free in Austin. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Austin, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Austin?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.