Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamo, TX (2023 Update)
- Alamo Solar Installation Cost: $13,388
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamo
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Alamo.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alamo it's 2.69 per watt. The average Alamo homeowner needs a 7.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,388 with the federal tax credit, or $19,145 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alamo find going solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,146 |
| 3 years | $-9,661 |
| 5 years | $-7,177 |
| 7 years | $-4,692 |
| 9 years | $-2,207 |
| 11 years | $277 |
| 13 years | $2,762 |
| 15 years | $5,247 |
| 17 years | $7,731 |
| 19 years | $10,216 |
| 21 years | $12,701 |
| 23 years | $15,185 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamo
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Alamo: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Alamo homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Alamo homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Alamo is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
There are a lot of 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:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Alamo 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 energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.