Solar Panel Cost Guide in Allen, TX (2023 Update)
- Allen Solar Installation Cost: $14,556
- 25-Year Savings: $22,767
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Allen
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Allen.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Allen it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Allen is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,556 for a solar installation, or $20,815 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Allen homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Allen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,063 |
| 3 years | $-10,077 |
| 5 years | $-7,091 |
| 7 years | $-4,105 |
| 9 years | $-1,119 |
| 11 years | $1,866 |
| 13 years | $4,852 |
| 15 years | $7,838 |
| 17 years | $10,824 |
| 19 years | $13,810 |
| 21 years | $16,796 |
| 23 years | $19,781 |
| 25 years | $22,767 |
Top Solar Installers in Allen
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Allen, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Allen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Allen
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Allen, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Allen, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Allen offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Allen homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Allen's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 decide on the company that has 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 | $17,205 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,241 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,428 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,765 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,253 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,892 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,681 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,621 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Allen, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Allen?
The average cost of solar panels in Allen 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Allen 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 long do solar panels last in Allen?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.