Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alton, TX (Mar 2023)
- Alton 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 Alton
We go over average solar pricing in Alton.
The average cost of a solar system in Alton is 2.69 per watt. Since a 7.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Alton, the average price of going solar will be about $13,388 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alton
| 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 Alton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Alton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Alton: 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
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,690. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alton average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Alton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Alton, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alton?
The average cost of solar panels in Alton 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 apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alton?
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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.