Solar Panel Cost Guide in Abilene, TX (2023 Update)
- Abilene Solar Installation Cost: $13,614
- 25-Year Savings: $29,373
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Abilene
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Abilene.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Abilene generally cost about 2.69. The average solar panel system size in Abilene is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,614 for a solar installation, or $19,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $23,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Abilene find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Abilene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,895 |
| 3 years | $-8,456 |
| 5 years | $-5,017 |
| 7 years | $-1,578 |
| 9 years | $1,861 |
| 11 years | $5,300 |
| 13 years | $8,739 |
| 15 years | $12,178 |
| 17 years | $15,617 |
| 19 years | $19,056 |
| 21 years | $22,495 |
| 23 years | $25,934 |
| 25 years | $29,373 |
Top Solar Installers in Abilene
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Abilene, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Abilene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Abilene
For many Abilene homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Abilene, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,690. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Abilene homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Abilene, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $23,923 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $32,198 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $40,624 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $49,201 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $57,928 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $66,807 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $75,835 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $85,015 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Abilene, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Abilene?
The average cost of solar panels in Abilene is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,189.09 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 amount 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.