Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamo, TX (2023 Update)
- Alamo Solar Installation Cost: $13,387
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamo
We go over average solar pricing in Alamo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Alamo, the average cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.1-kW system would cost about $13,388 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Alamo can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Alamo, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,145 |
| 3 years | $-9,661 |
| 5 years | $-7,177 |
| 7 years | $-4,693 |
| 9 years | $-2,209 |
| 11 years | $275 |
| 13 years | $2,759 |
| 15 years | $5,243 |
| 17 years | $7,727 |
| 19 years | $10,212 |
| 21 years | $12,696 |
| 23 years | $15,180 |
| 25 years | $17,664 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamo
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Alamo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamo
For many Alamo homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alamo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly 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 few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better 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. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Alamo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alamo to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Alamo, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,460 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $19,582 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $24,854 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $30,277 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $35,850 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $41,574 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $47,449 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $53,474 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
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 Alamo, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alamo?
The average cost of solar panels in Alamo is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alamo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alamo?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.