Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brownsville, LA (2023 Update)
- Brownsville Solar Installation Cost: $18,386
- 25-Year Savings: $22,078
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brownsville
We go over average solar pricing in Brownsville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Brownsville is 2.57 per watt. Because a 10.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Brownsville, the average price of going solar will be about $18,386 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brownsville homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Brownsville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,767 |
| 3 years | $-13,530 |
| 5 years | $-10,293 |
| 7 years | $-7,056 |
| 9 years | $-3,819 |
| 11 years | $-582 |
| 13 years | $2,656 |
| 15 years | $5,893 |
| 17 years | $9,130 |
| 19 years | $12,367 |
| 21 years | $15,604 |
| 23 years | $18,841 |
| 25 years | $22,078 |
Top Solar Installers in Brownsville
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Brownsville:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
For many Brownsville homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brownsville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brownsville homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brownsville is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Brownsville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $12,538 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $17,006 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,617 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $26,372 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $31,271 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $36,314 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $41,501 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $46,832 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Brownsville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Brownsville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Brownsville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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 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 opt 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.