Solar Panel Cost Guide in Austin, MN (2023 Update)
- Austin Solar Installation Cost: $14,214
- 25-Year Savings: $20,492
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Austin
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Austin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Austin, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.84 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Austin, most homeowners require a 7.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,214, or $20,326 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Austin 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 initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Austin for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Austin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,826 |
| 3 years | $-10,049 |
| 5 years | $-7,273 |
| 7 years | $-4,496 |
| 9 years | $-1,720 |
| 11 years | $1,057 |
| 13 years | $3,833 |
| 15 years | $6,610 |
| 17 years | $9,386 |
| 19 years | $12,163 |
| 21 years | $14,939 |
| 23 years | $17,716 |
| 25 years | $20,492 |
Top Solar Installers in Austin
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Austin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,840. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Austin to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Austin's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $2.95 | $12,405 | $16,738 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $22,635 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $28,691 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $34,907 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $41,281 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $47,814 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $54,507 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $61,359 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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, MN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Austin?
The average cost of solar panels in Austin is about $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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 install 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.
Does Austin have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.