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.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Alvin is 3 per watt.The average Alvin homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,014 with the federal tax credit, or $24,330 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay 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.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Alvin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alvin
For many Alvin homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alvin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,330. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key 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 different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model 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, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 it worth going solar in Alvin?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Alvin?
Even though 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 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.