Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alvarado, TX (2024 Update)
- Alvarado Solar Installation Cost: $17,710
- 25-Year Savings: $28,409
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alvarado
We break down average solar pricing in Alvarado.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alvarado typically cost around 3.Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Alvarado, the average price of going solar will be about $17,710 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Alvarado homeowner can save around $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Alvarado for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Alvarado
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,845 |
| 3 years | $-12,114 |
| 5 years | $-8,383 |
| 7 years | $-4,653 |
| 9 years | $-922 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $6,539 |
| 15 years | $10,270 |
| 17 years | $14,001 |
| 19 years | $17,731 |
| 21 years | $21,462 |
| 23 years | $25,193 |
| 25 years | $28,923 |
Top Solar Installers in Alvarado
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Alvarado
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alvarado
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Alvarado: 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 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 production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Alvarado, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Alvarado is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $19,188 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $25,957 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $32,912 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $40,054 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $47,382 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $54,897 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $62,598 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $70,486 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Alvarado, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Alvarado, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alvarado?
The average cost of solar panels in Alvarado is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Alvarado?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.