Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownsville, LA (2024 Update)
- Brownsville Solar Installation Cost: $27,175
- 25-Year Savings: $22,085
- Payback Period: 16.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownsville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brownsville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Brownsville it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Brownsville, most homeowners require a 10.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $27,175, or $38,860 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Brownsville homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Brownsville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brownsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,866 |
| 3 years | $-23,248 |
| 5 years | $-20,629 |
| 7 years | $-18,011 |
| 9 years | $-15,392 |
| 11 years | $-12,774 |
| 13 years | $-10,155 |
| 15 years | $-7,536 |
| 17 years | $-4,918 |
| 19 years | $-2,299 |
| 21 years | $319 |
| 23 years | $2,938 |
| 25 years | $5,556 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownsville
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer 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 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 Brownsville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brownsville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing 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 go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,800. The kind of 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Brownsville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brownsville to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Brownsville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Brownsville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.95 | $16,598 | $7,166 | 17.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,980 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $13,007 | 16.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $16,247 | 16.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $19,699 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $23,365 | 15.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $27,243 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $31,334 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 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 Brownsville, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brownsville?
The average cost of solar panels in Brownsville is about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Brownsville?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Brownsville, 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 you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brownsville is currently $189,971, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,789 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brownsville is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Brownsville?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.