Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alvin, TX (2024 Update)
- Alvin Solar Installation Cost: $17,014
- 25-Year Savings: $23,882
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alvin
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alvin.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alvin typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Alvin, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,014, or $24,330 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
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 Alvin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,593 |
| 3 years | $-12,750 |
| 5 years | $-9,908 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,224 |
| 11 years | $-1,382 |
| 13 years | $1,460 |
| 15 years | $4,302 |
| 17 years | $7,145 |
| 19 years | $9,987 |
| 21 years | $12,829 |
| 23 years | $15,671 |
| 25 years | $18,513 |
Top Solar Installers in Alvin
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Alvin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alvin
Although the average cost of a solar system in Alvin is $17,014, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better 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 much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alvin to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Alvin, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $16,384 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $22,219 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $28,240 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $34,447 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $40,841 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $47,421 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $54,188 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $61,142 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Alvin, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alvin?
The average cost of solar panels in Alvin 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alvin?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Alvin?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.