Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alvin, TX (2023 Update)
- Alvin Solar Installation Cost: $13,746
- 25-Year Savings: $23,880
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alvin
We break down average solar pricing in Alvin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alvin it's 2.69 per watt. The average Alvin homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,746 with the federal tax credit, or $19,657 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Alvin based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alvin find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alvin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,241 |
| 3 years | $-9,231 |
| 5 years | $-6,221 |
| 7 years | $-3,211 |
| 9 years | $-201 |
| 11 years | $2,809 |
| 13 years | $5,819 |
| 15 years | $8,830 |
| 17 years | $11,840 |
| 19 years | $14,850 |
| 21 years | $17,860 |
| 23 years | $20,870 |
| 25 years | $23,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Alvin
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
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
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Alvin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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 $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Alvin have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Alvin, you'll have lots 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 considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk 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 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 | $19,180 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,875 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $32,720 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $39,716 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $46,862 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $54,159 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $61,607 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $69,206 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good 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 has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alvin?
The average cost of solar panels in Alvin 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alvin?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alvin is currently $172,183, so you can expect a value of about $7,060 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alvin is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.