Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alvarado, TX (2023 Update)
- Alvarado Solar Installation Cost: $14,311
- 25-Year Savings: $28,404
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alvarado
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Alvarado.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alvarado generally cost around 2.69. Because 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 $14,311 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Alvarado homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alvarado
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,602 |
| 3 years | $-9,185 |
| 5 years | $-5,768 |
| 7 years | $-2,351 |
| 9 years | $1,067 |
| 11 years | $4,484 |
| 13 years | $7,901 |
| 15 years | $11,318 |
| 17 years | $14,736 |
| 19 years | $18,153 |
| 21 years | $21,570 |
| 23 years | $24,987 |
| 25 years | $28,404 |
Top Solar Installers in Alvarado
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Alvarado is $14,311, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Alvarado homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alvarado, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $21,983 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $29,612 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $37,392 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $45,322 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $53,403 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $61,635 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $70,017 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $78,550 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Alvarado, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project 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 Alvarado, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alvarado?
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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alvarado?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,124.44 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Alvarado?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.